Why the Day After Thanksgiving is a Plumbing Disaster Waiting to Happen

Don’t let tough clogs ruin your holiday fun. Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season, but if you’re busy baking pies, preparing turkey, and shopping for deals, plumbers are facing a much bigger challenge. This is their busiest time of the year, with the day after Thanksgiving—also known as “Brown Friday”—being their version of the Super Bowl.

What is ‘Brown Friday’?

Brown Friday refers to the Friday after Thanksgiving, but it’s really the start of an entire week of plumbing madness. While the name may suggest clogged toilets, it’s much more than that. After a day of hosting guests and cooking, your pipes bear the brunt of clogged sinks, broken garbage disposals, and, of course, toilets in need of attention.

In 2023, Yelp reported a 65% increase in “emergency plumbing” searches, with searches for “24-hour plumbers” peaking on Thanksgiving Day more than any other day that month.

Top Plumbing Problems on Brown Friday

1. Fat and Grease
   Never pour fats, oils, or grease down the drain—this is plumbing 101. When grease cools down, it solidifies and sticks to the pipes, causing serious clogs. Unclogging these grease-filled blockages is a common issue plumbers deal with the day after Thanksgiving.
2. Potato Peels
   Mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, but don’t try to put potato peels into your garbage disposal. The starchy skins can clump together, causing serious pipe blockages. The same goes for carrot peelings, rice, and pasta—avoid putting these in your disposal.

Consider composting food scraps instead. It’s eco-friendly and can benefit your garden, or you can use a local composting service.

1. Turkey
   Bones and skin from your turkey don’t belong in the disposal or drain either. They can quickly cause blockages.
2. Clogged Toilets
   Make sure your guests know the only things that should be flushed are toilet paper and natural waste. Remind them to avoid flushing paper towels, hygiene products, or anything else that could cause clogs.

How to Prevent Plumbing Issues

The good news is, you can take some easy steps to avoid plumbing headaches:

• Use the disposal properly: Keep bones, potato peels, cornhusks, and other problematic items out of it.
• Run cold water: Always run cold water when using your disposal to help flush debris down.
• Avoid using the dishwasher: If your garbage disposal is clogged, don’t use the dishwasher until it’s cleared.
• Properly dispose of grease and oils: Save it in a container and throw it in the trash once solidified.
• Pre-rinse dirty dishes: Wipe off grease and food scraps from pans and plates before washing them.
• Use a mesh strainer: Place one in your bathroom sinks, showers, and tubs to catch hair.
• Think before you flush: Only flush toilet paper and waste. Avoid flushing non-dissolvable items like wipes or hygiene products.
• Keep a plunger handy: If the toilet is clogged, plunging may do the trick. If not, call in the pros.

By following these tips, you can avoid scrambling for a plumber during the holidays and keep your pipes in good shape.