Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and fun, but the last thing anyone wants to deal with during the holiday is a plumbing disaster. Whether you’re hosting a big dinner or just visiting loved ones, a little extra care with your plumbing can prevent major headaches later. At Hudson Plumbing, we want to help make sure your holiday is stress-free by sharing some simple Thanksgiving plumbing tips. With a few small actions, you can give thanks for smooth pipes and avoid costly repairs.
1. Watch What Goes Down the Drain
The kitchen sees a lot of action during Thanksgiving. From mashed potatoes to gravy, the sink can quickly get clogged with food scraps. But remember: your plumbing is not a trash can. Avoid sending grease, fats, or food down the drain. These substances can solidify in your pipes and lead to blockages. Instead, scrape excess food into the trash or compost bin before washing dishes.
If you’re using a garbage disposal, make sure to run cold water while it’s on. Cold water helps prevent grease and fat from sticking to the pipes, keeping your disposal running smoothly.
2. Don’t Overload the Garbage Disposal
Your garbage disposal is a handy tool, but it has its limits. Overloading it with tough foods like turkey bones or fibrous vegetables (like celery or corn husks) can cause jams and clogs. Make sure to cut large food scraps into smaller pieces before sending them through. And remember, your disposal works best when you feed it small amounts at a time, so don’t overload it.
If you have a backup, avoid using the disposal altogether for tough or greasy foods. Instead, throw them in the trash and use the disposal for smaller, non-greasy scraps.
3. Check for Leaks Before the Big Meal
Before your guests arrive, take a quick tour of your home to check for any leaks. Look under sinks, around toilets, and near your water heater. Leaking pipes can cause water damage and create the perfect environment for mold growth—both of which can put a serious damper on your Thanksgiving celebration.
If you spot a small leak, it’s worth fixing before the holiday rush. In some cases, a simple tightening of a pipe connection can stop a leak. For more serious issues, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber to prevent a bigger problem later.
4. Prepare for Extra Guests
Thanksgiving often means more people in your home, which can put extra strain on your plumbing. Make sure your toilets are in good working order by testing each one before the big day. If a toilet is running continuously or not flushing properly, it’s best to fix the problem ahead of time to avoid any surprises when guests need to use the bathroom.
Additionally, don’t overload your toilet with too much toilet paper or “flushable” wipes. These items can easily clog pipes, especially if multiple people are using the bathroom in a short period.
5. Be Mindful of Hot Water
The holiday season involves lots of dishes, but running the hot water for hours on end can put a strain on your water heater. If you have a lot of cooking and cleaning to do, consider spreading out the hot water usage throughout the day, or have your guests pitch in to help. If your hot water runs out, give the water heater time to recharge before continuing with heavy washing.
By following these simple Thanksgiving plumbing tips, you can ensure your pipes stay clear and your holiday goes off without a hitch. At Hudson Plumbing, we’re here to help with any plumbing needs, big or small. If you run into any plumbing issues this holiday season, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and may your pipes stay smooth and trouble-free!
