5 Tips for Using Drains Responsibly During Thanksgiving

Before you chuck all the nasty trimmings and other leftover bits down the garbage disposal, remember that it could come back to haunt you very soon. Take advantage of these tips to reduce your chances of suffering through a plumbing disaster on one of the busiest holidays of the year. 1. No grease or fat The melted fat and grease may seem like a harmless liquid that can easily be put down the drain, but these materials are actually one of the worst culprits. Fat hardens as it cools, forming a stiff waxy layer inside your pipes and fixtures. Consider storing grease, fat and oil waste in a sealable container so you can take it to a recycling center. 2. Scrape dishes into the trash Encourage all of your friends and family members to scrape the remnants from their plate into the trash before putting it into the sink. Sure, your garbage disposal can handle a bit of food, but large quantities will back it up in no time at all. 3. Avoid hard objects Fruit seeds, especially pits from peaches and plums, do not belong in your drains. Garbage disposals have a hard time breaking these up and they are the perfect size for plugging the drainage line. Bones are also a no-no, as they can catch other debris and cause a clog faster than you can say “turkey.” 4. The strings are attached Stringy or fibrous food, like celery, is a common sight at a Thanksgiving meal. You may not be able to force the kids to eat all their veggies, but you certainly shouldn’t try to make your garbage disposal do it for them! Common culprits include potato skins and fruit peels. 5. Run hot water with the disposal Use the garbage disposal periodically throughout your preparation and cleanup, not all at once at the end. Stick to small loads to avoid overwhelming the machine and always run warm water as you do. This helps move the solids through the system and prevents stray bits of fat or grease from solidifying. If you do have a problem with your garbage disposals or need drain cleaning after the holidays, give your Rooter Hero Plumbing pro a call and we'll get someone out to you today!