The winter is a time for festive gatherings, delicious food, and creating memories with loved ones. The last thing you want is a plumbing disaster ruining your cheer. Imagine your kitchen sink overflowing with greasy dishwater just as guests arrive, or your bathroom drain backing up during a family party. Talk about a holiday horror story! To avoid these plumbing nightmares, it is important to take some preventative measures and ensure your drains are ready to handle all the fun.
Grease Is Not the Word: Proper Disposal of Cooking Fats
Cooking for the holidays often involves lots of delicious, but often greasy, foods. Think roasted turkey, gravy, and buttery mashed potatoes. Pouring grease down the drain is a major no-no! As grease cools, it solidifies and creates stubborn clogs in your pipes. Instead of pouring grease down the drain, collect it in a separate container, and then dispose of it in the trash once it cools. You can also wipe greasy pots and pans with a paper towel before washing them to minimize the amount of grease going down the drain.
Garbage Disposal Dos and Don’ts
Your garbage disposal can be a helpful tool during the times of feasting, but it is not a magic trash can. Avoid putting items like potato peels, eggshells, bones, and fibrous vegetables (like celery and corn husks) down the disposal. These items can jam the blades or create clogs. Stick to soft food scraps, and always run cold water while using the disposal. A little caution can save you a big plumbing headache.
Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow: Preventing Bathroom Clogs
With guests coming and going, your bathroom drains are going to get a workout. Hair is a common culprit for bathroom drain clogs, especially in showers and tubs. To prevent this, use a drain strainer to catch hair and other debris before it goes down the drain. You can also try a natural drain cleaner, like a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, to keep things flowing smoothly. And remind your guests to be mindful of what they rinse down the drain, especially if they have long hair.
Be a Mindful Host (and Guest!)
Sometimes, even with the best precautions, plumbing problems can still occur. If you experience a slow drain or a clog, do not panic. Try using a plunger or a drain snake to clear the blockage. If that does not work, it is best to call a professional plumber. Avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners, as these can damage your pipes. And if you are a guest in someone’s home, be respectful of their plumbing. Do not flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet and be mindful of what you put down the drains.
By following these simple tips, you can help keep your drains clog-free and your festivities merry and bright. Also, keep in mind that a little prevention goes a long way toward ensuring a stress-free season. So, enjoy the festivities, and do not let plumbing problems dampen your spirit! For professional drain cleaning help in Compton, CA, make a call to Frausto Plumbing.
