Avoid Thanksgiving Plumbing Problems

You're probably aware that the day after Thanksgiving Day is the busiest time of the year for retailers. But did you know that it's also one of the busiest days of the year for plumbers?

The big holiday meal preparation and cleanup can lead to a lot of unwanted waste in the kitchen drain and garbage disposal. Also, a house full of holiday guests who require additional clothes washing, showers and toilet flushes puts a strain on household plumbing. Incoming calls to Roto-Rooter, for kitchen jobs alone, will jump 50 percent above the average Friday. The four-day Thanksgiving weekend averages a 21 percent increase over any other Thursday through Sunday period during the year.

The company says Thanksgiving hosts can avoid a visit from their plumber over the holiday weekend by following these clog-preventing tips:

•  Never pour fats or cooking oils down drains. They solidify in pipes. Instead, wipe grease from pots with paper towels and throw in trash.
• Avoid putting stringy, fibrous or starchy waste in the garbage disposal. Poultry skins, celery, fruit & potato peels, for example, cannot be sufficiently broken down. I can tell you from personal experience that potato peels in the garbage disposal is a recipe for disaster.
• Make sure the disposal is running when you put food into it. Don't wait until it's full to turn it on.
• For homes hosting weekend guests, it's a good idea to wait ten minutes between showers so slow drains have time to do their job.
• Try to address any plumbing problems before the holiday and before guests arrive. However, in holiday emergencies, don't hesitate to ask up front about extra holiday service fees.
• As always, know your limits. Often, minor plumbing problems turn into plumbing catastrophes if not handled properly.  [where: 75230]