Avoiding Plumbing Disasters During Holiday Meals: Tips for Kitchens and Drains
*It’s timmmmmmmmmmmmeeeeeeeee*
With the holidays approaching closer than you think, most of the common calls a plumbing company receives are regarding clogged drains and not just sinks, toilets as well. With all the yummy food that is being made around this time and family around, sometimes we become absent-minded and “accidentally” pour oil down the kitchen drain or have friends and family over that flush down foreign objects that could lead to expensive visits from you local plumbing company right after. With all that being said, here are some tips and tricks to avoid plumbing disasters during your holidays.
Avoid pouring grease, oil and fat down the drain!
Tip: Pouring grease, oil and or fat down the drain is one of the most common causes of plumbing clogs. When these substances cool, they create blockages that can be difficult to remove.
Trick: Instead of pouring grease down the drain, you can pour left over oils into a glass jar and reuse for a later time or wait to solidify and throw away or what I have recently discovered is grabbing a piece of tin foil, covering the drain stopper in kitchen sink, pouring it into foil, it will solidify and you can easily throw it away.
2. Don’t overload the garbage disposal and properly dispose of fibrous or large food scraps!
Tip: You might think garbage disposals have sharp blades and can handle any scraps of food “because that’s that what they are made for”. Garbage disposals in fact don’t have sharp blades but instead have small grinding teeth or impellers similar to of a cheese grater. Now with knowledge of that, foods like bones, corn cobs, potato peels, lemon peels, fruit pits shouldn’t be put down the disposal. Foods like pasta, potatoes and rice can expand in pipes.
Trick: Avoid over loading the garbage disposal with large quantities of food scraps. Putting a kitchen basket strainer can help. If for some reason small amounts of food fall in, you should be fine, running cold water into the disposal can help flush waste through the pipe.
3. Check for leaks and clogs before the holiday season!
Tip: A small leak can become a bigger problem if not addressed early, especially during the busy holiday season. If you notice slow draining of sinks, toilets flushing differently, it might be time to schedule someone.
Trick: Before you start cooking, check you kitchen sink, faucet and dishwasher for any signs of leaks or drips. Repair any issues promptly to avoid bigger plumbing headaches and schedule two weeks prior before holidays set in. If you are having guest over, maybe putting a sign that nothing but toilet paper should be flushed as a reminder.
Hopefully some of these tips and tricks can help you out these holidays. Feel free to give us a call if you’re needing assistance and if we can’t assist you, we’d be happy to refer someone out to you.