What’s the Busiest Day of the Year for Plumbers?

Most of us don’t host a large number of friends and family on a typical Thursday night. But once a year, on the fourth Thursday of November, we spend the day prepping, cooking, and baking so that we can give thanks and share a delightful feast with those near and dear to our hearts.

But all those extra people and all that extra cooking (and subsequently, cleaning) puts a lot of pressure on your home’s plumbing. And it’s on Black Friday that plumbers everywhere see a significant number of calls, up to 50 percent more than any other time of year. Fortunately, most homes can handle a little added usage once a year, but if any part of your plumbing system is already under strain, this one day could be the proverbial straw that breaks the camel’s back.

So, what can you do to avoid a Thanksgiving plumbing emergency? Follow these clog-prevention tips.

• Don’t pour FOG (fats, oils, grease) down the drain. Instead, pour any grease or drippings into an empty non-recyclable container and toss it in the garbage after the grease has solidified.
• As you’re putting food into the disposal (remember, a little bit at a time!), keep the water running and the disposal on. If you push all of the food into the drain and then turn it on, you’ll overwork the motor and could get it stuck.
• Stringy, starchy waste doesn’t belong in the garbage disposal. Toss things like fruit and vegetable peels, turkey skin, and bones in the compost pile or garbage.
• Reserve toilets for human waste and toilet paper only. Feminine products, bathroom wipes, cotton swabs, and tissues don’t break down in water and can lead to tough clogs.
• If any of the toilets in your home run slow, post a sign near the commode: “If it’s yellow; let it mellow; if it’s brown, flush it down.”
• If you’re hosting overnight guests, allow 15 minutes in between showers, especially if you have slow-running drains. This also allows your water heater to resupply its hot water.

If you’re planning to host a large gathering this holiday season, call Best Choice today to schedule a precautionary plumbing inspection so that you’re aware of any issues before you welcome a dozen (or more!) guests into your home. We’ll carefully examine your plumbing system so that you can focus on more important things, like perfecting Aunt Anne’s famous stuffing recipe.