Thanksgiving is a time for a full table and a full house, but the extra cooking, cleaning, and guests can place considerably more demand on your home’s plumbing system. A few thoughtful precautions can help ensure your plumbing stays out of the spotlight this holiday.
DO Scrape Plates Before They Reach the Sink
Your garbage disposal should never be treated as a substitute for the trash can. Scrape food scraps into the trash before rinsing dishes, allowing only small, incidental food particles to enter the disposal.
Even foods that seem harmless can accumulate inside drain lines over time. When in doubt, throw it out.
DON’T Pour Fats, Oils, or Grease Down the Drain
Turkey drippings, cooking oils, butter, and other fats should never be poured into the kitchen sink. As they cool, they can solidify and adhere to the inside of your pipes, trapping additional debris and contributing to difficult blockages.
Allow grease to cool, place it in a disposable container, and throw it away instead.
DO Keep Your Water Heater in Mind
A house full of overnight guests can mean significantly more demand for hot water. Showers, handwashing, cooking, and cleanup can quickly put your water heater to work. Spacing out showers and other heavy hot-water use can help a traditional tank-style water heater recover between uses.
If you have noticed inconsistent temperatures, unusual noises, leaking, or a decline in hot-water capacity, consider having the system checked before hosting rather than waiting for a house full of guests to discover the problem.
DON’T Forget About the Guest Bathroom
More guests mean more demand on toilets and drains. Only toilet paper and human waste should be flushed. Wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and other household items belong in the trash, regardless of whether the packaging describes them as “flushable.”
DO Take Care of Slow Drains Before the Holiday
If a sink, shower, or tub is already draining slowly, additional holiday use can quickly turn a minor inconvenience into a backup. Addressing plumbing concerns before guests arrive can save you from an unwanted interruption later.
Protect Your Home and Enjoy the Holiday
Good plumbing is something you should barely have to think about, especially when you’re hosting. A little extra care in the kitchen and bathrooms can help keep your home running smoothly, leaving you free to focus on what Thanksgiving is really about: good food, good company, and time together.
Happy Holidays from Top Tier Plumbing Services!
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