Why the Day After Thanksgiving Triggers a Plumbing Crisis

“Brown Friday,” the day after Thanksgiving, is a plumber’s busiest time of year. The combination of large holiday gatherings, cooking, and heavy usage of household plumbing leads to a surge in issues like clogged sinks, toilets, and garbage disposals. Here’s a breakdown of common problems and how to prevent them:

Common Causes of Plumbing Problems:

1. Fat and Grease: Pouring fats, oils, or grease down the drain solidifies in cold pipes, creating blockages over time.
2. Potato and Carrot Peels: These can clog garbage disposals. Starchy peels don’t break down easily and can cause significant plumbing issues.
3. Turkey Skin and Bones: These can cause severe blockages when disposed of in the sink or garbage disposal.
4. Clogged Toilets: Non-flushable items like hygiene products and paper towels can lead to toilet blockages.

How to Prevent Plumbing Problems:

• Use the disposal correctly: Avoid putting non-disposal-safe items (like bones, peels, and pasta) in the garbage disposal.
• Run cold water: Always run cold water when using the garbage disposal to help solidify grease and fats.
• Avoid using the dishwasher with a clogged disposal: If your garbage disposal is blocked, don’t use the dishwasher to prevent further issues.
• Properly dispose of grease: Use a container to collect grease, and throw it away once solidified—never pour it down the drain.
• Pre-wash greasy dishes: Wipe off excess grease from pots and pans before washing them.
• Use a mesh strainer: This helps catch hair and debris from showers and sinks, preventing clogs.
• Think before you flush: Only flush toilet paper and waste; avoid flushing wipes, sanitary products, or anything non-dissolvable.
• Have a plunger on hand: A plunger can solve many toilet clogs, but if it doesn’t work, you might need professional help.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid plumbing headaches during the holiday season and avoid searching for emergency plumbing services on “Brown Friday.”