One of the biggest holidays of the year is coming up, Thanksgiving! When thinking about Thanksgiving we are greeted with images of roasted turkeys, mile high mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing, pumpkin pie…. It’s the biggest feast of the year, which often entails endless hours in the kitchen. Which means it is no coincidence that one of the biggest days of the year for plumbers, is the day after Thanksgiving. Anytime there is extra entertaining being done, you run the risk of plumbing troubles. Fortunately, there are preventative measures you can take to protect your plumbing and reduce the risk of plumbing emergencies. The garbage disposal is a great place to start.
Preemptive Cleaning
If you are planning on entertaining or doing a lot of cooking this holiday season, then you may want to consider some preemptive cleaning. Having your drains cleaned ahead of time can make a huge difference and help prepare your drains for heavy usage. With fewer obstructions and buildup, there is less room for any surprise clogs. So, as you put your drains on overtime, wastewater can flow freely through your pipes.
Proper Usage
Running the garbage disposal shouldn’t be rocket science, however, sometimes when we are in a hurry and distracted we tend to forgo common knowledge and good practices. To prevent issues with your garbage disposal it is important to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Always, always, always run with running water to prevent the motor from burning up. Also, avoid overloading it. Try working in small batches, and run your garbage disposal frequently if doing heavy cooking to prevent clogs and drainage issues.
What Goes Down, Sometimes Comes Back Up
When it comes to using your garbage disposal, one of the biggest pieces of advice we can offer is to watch what goes down it. Because, really, what goes down it, sometimes comes back up and that is not a good thing. Drainage issues, overflowing sinks, and clogs are not fun to deal with ever, let alone when you are entertaining a houseful of guests. These items should be avoided at all costs:
If you run into a problem, it is a good idea to be prepared. Make sure you know where the water shutoff is, and have the right plunger on hand. You may also want to consider having a roll of plastic on hand to protect the surrounding area. Keep your plumber information handy, so that in the event of an emergency you can contact them right away. The quicker the response the less damage there could be. For more information contact Courtesy Plumbing today!
