How to Prevent Plumbing Problems Thanksgiving 2024
Did you ever wonder what is the busiest plumbing day?
The day after Thanksgiving is actually the busiest day of the year for plumbers, thanks to a spike in house calls for clogged drains and jammed garbage disposals. Surprisingly, despite what many might think, it’s not clogged toilets that cause the most trouble!
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of the year for plumbers, with plumbing companies receiving increased calls about clogged drains, broken garbage disposals, and even burst pipes. Extra guests, heavier kitchen use, and a high demand for hot water all put stress on home plumbing. By following these Thanksgiving plumbing tips, you can prevent potential disasters and enjoy a stress-free holiday.
1. Garbage Disposal Care for Thanksgiving Prep
With a full house and more meals to prepare, garbage disposals are often overworked on Thanksgiving. Avoid a clogged disposal by knowing what can and can’t go down the drain. Fibrous foods like celery, potato peels, and onion skins can easily clog the disposal, while fats, oils, and bones can dull or damage the blades. Instead, toss these items in the trash or compost to keep your disposal and kitchen sink in prime shape.
2. Prevent Kitchen Sink Clogs
Thanksgiving is also prime time for kitchen sink clogs. Prevent issues by using a sink strainer to catch small food scraps and avoid pouring oils or grease down the drain, as these can solidify and cause serious blockages. Keep a steady stream of hot water running when using the disposal, and follow each use with cold water to flush food particles completely through the pipes. These simple steps will help keep your Thanksgiving plumbing hassle-free.
3. Toilet Tips for Hosting Guests
Extra guests mean increased bathroom traffic, which can stress even the best plumbing systems. To avoid toilet clogs, provide plenty of trash bins in each bathroom to keep non-flushable items out of the toilet. Remind guests and family members to flush only toilet paper and to avoid flushing items like wipes or sanitary products, which are notorious for clogging toilets. These small adjustments will reduce the risk of embarrassing plumbing issues during your Thanksgiving gathering.
4. Water Heater Tips for Extra Hot Water Demand
If you’re hosting for the holiday, your water heater will have to keep up with extra hot water demand for showers, dishes, and cooking. To ensure your water heater can handle the load, consider setting the temperature a few degrees higher but avoid exceeding 120°F to prevent scalding. Space out showers and run the dishwasher at off-peak times to help conserve hot water. This preparation will allow everyone to enjoy hot water without overloading the water heater.
5. Know When to Call a Plumber for Holiday Help
Even with careful planning, plumbing emergencies can happen. If you’re facing an issue that you can’t resolve on your own — such as persistent drain clogs, loss of hot water, or a leaking water heater — it’s best to call a plumber. Having the number of a trusted plumbing company on hand can make a world of difference when unexpected issues arise. Make sure your plumbing company offers holiday emergency services to provide peace of mind through the Thanksgiving season.
Thanksgiving should be a time for celebration, not dealing with plumbing problems. Following these Thanksgiving plumbing tips can prevent common holiday issues and keep your home comfortable and stress-free for your guests. If you need assistance with pre-holiday plumbing prep or have an emergency, don’t hesitate to contact Tim Beil Plumbing for professional plumbing help. Let us handle the plumbing while you focus on a wonderful Thanksgiving.
