While Black Friday may be a hectic day for retailers, it is also the busiest day of the year for plumbers. But before you laugh, it’s not just because of clogged toilets! Clogged drains and broken garbage disposals make up many of the calls we receive at Anthony Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.
Not to worry, we will be happy to come out to your house if your Black Friday turns into a “Brown Friday.” But fortunately there are some things you can do to make sure your money goes to more fun things than clogged drains.
Leftovers in the Sink cause Broken Garbage Disposal and Clogged Drains
The No. 1 culprit for plumbing problems after Thanksgiving is homeowners trying to use their sink or garbage disposal as a garbage can. Throw your fruit peels, egg shells, bones, skin and all leftovers in the trash can, not down the sink. This fibrous food material gets trapped in your garbage disposal blades and can cause the motor to overheat or die.
Place fatty oils and grease into containers and place them into your trash. It is a common misconception that fats, if followed by hot water, are okay to place in the drain. Even when followed by hot water, fats eventually cool and clog pipes. However, if you use cold water the fats will float on the water and may not clog the drain.
Place a large garbage can and/or compost bucket in a prominent place in the kitchen, so guests aren’t tempted to place food in the sink.
Flushing Garbage causes Clogged Toilet
Bodily functions and toilet paper are the only items toilets are built to handle. Never should anyone place cotton balls, swabs, cleansing cloths, dental floss or similar items into the toilet – these must go into the trash.
The biggest offender is feminine hygiene products – these should never be placed in toilets, period (no pun intended). Putting a sign to this effect in your bathroom when you h
ave guests over, along with a large waste basket, might prevent an embarrassing issue from becoming even more embarrassing.
Protect your Bathroom Showers and Sinks to Prevent Clogged Drains
If you have showers and sinks that drain a bit slow, have Anthony Plumbing, Heating & Cooling come in and clean your drains BEFORE your guests arrive. It is
easier, faster and cheaper to clear a clog in its early stages than after it becomes really stuck.
Make sure the drain strainers in all shower, bathtub and sink drains stay in place and cleared of debris. It doesn’t take much hair to clog a drain. Ask guests to wait 15 minutes between showers and dishwasher runs to allow drains to clear.
Again, place large waste receptacles in bathrooms so guests don’t feel the need to dispose of items in the drain.
If in Doubt, Dial A-N-T-H-O-N-Y (913 or 816) for a Whole-Home Plumbing Inspection
The best way to prevent plumbing problems is with a whole-home plumbing inspection. Our highly trained plumbers will come to your home and let you know what preventative drain cleaning or other measures can be taken to help your plumbing, and your holiday, to “run smoothly.” Call us anytime at 913-268-4669 or 816-268-4669, or complete our Online Scheduler at https://anthonyphc.com/schedule-service/ and we will give you a call.