4 Tips to Keep Your Thanksgiving Feast from Going Down the Drain

Thanksgiving is a time for feasting and family gatherings, but it’s also a day when a lot of food goes down the drain, leading to potential plumbing problems. Many plumbers consider the day after Thanksgiving their busiest day of the year. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we want to share some essential tips to help you enjoy your feast without having to deal with plumbing issues afterward.

Be kind to your garbage disposal.

You’ll likely find your garbage disposal working harder than usual on this special day centered around food. And that means you need to be mindful of what goes down the drain. Carelessness can lead to a clogged drain, and no one wants that to interrupt their holiday celebration!

Be mindful of your jewelry and everyday items.

Food isn’t the only thing causing clogged drains on Thanksgiving. We receive many calls to retrieve non-food items from kitchen pipes, such as jewelry, napkin holders, pens, and children’s toys. So, keep the kitchen clear of non-food-related items to prevent mishaps.

Avoid harsh items.

The garbage disposal is incredibly convenient, especially when you’re cooking a feast for a crowd. But there are certain items you should never put down your garbage disposal or drains, as they can cause serious plumbing issues. Some of these are:

• Fats, oils, and grease: Your Thanksgiving meal will undoubtedly have these, but pouring them down the drain can lead to clogs. It’s best to put them in an old soup can, allow them to cool, and throw them in the trash.
• Turkey bones: While a single bone may not damage the garbage disposal, a collection of them will harm the appliance.
• Gristle: This solid form of fat can quickly create a stubborn clog.
• Onion and potato peelings: These can make a paste when combined with water and clog your drains. This paste swells over time, causing a nasty blockage.

Keep an eye on the kids.

Thanksgiving brings together the entire family, including children of all ages. And there’s no one more curious than a young child. Younger children can sometimes cause plumbing issues by attempting to flush non-flushable items down the toilet, whether diapers, keys, or kitty litter.

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Nobody wants to deal with plumbing emergencies when there’s delicious food to enjoy and family memories to make. Of course, if you have to invite a plumber over, the Raider Rooter team is always available. We’ve been helping South Florida maintain and manage its plumbing and sewer since 1978. So, let us put our expertise to work for you.

If you’re after tips and tricks for frequent plumbing problems, consult our blog for thorough and helpful information.