Plumbing Tips For A Happy (Stress-Free) Thanksgiving

Here at T&S Plumbing Services, our experienced techs are getting ready for the busiest season of the year. To avoid a plumbing disaster, we suggest you follow these simple tips so you don’t have to worry about your home’s plumbing system during this Thanksgiving holiday!

1. Don’t treat your garbage disposal like a trash can.

It’s important to know that your garbage disposal can only handle so much, and can NOT handle many different types of foods and liquids. Be mindful of what you’re putting down your garbage disposals.

  • The Don’ts:
  • Celery, Potatoes, Carrots, Onions, Lettuce, Grease, Oil, Fat, Bones, Egg Shells, Pastas, Rice, Coffee — all of these items are difficult for the blades to grind up and cause more blockage in your drains.

The Do’s:
Keep your garbage disposal clean by pouring a small amount of dish soap inside and run it with some cold water. You can even use a few slices of a lemon peel for a fresh scent!

Always run cold water when you turn your garbage disposal on.

If your garbage disposal is broken, don’t try to fix it yourself. This type of project is not a DIY. Please give us a call before attempting the fix yourself.

2. If you’ve got a house full of guests, wait at least 15 minutes between showers. The reason for this isn’t just to replenish the hot water, it’s also necessary to let your drains clear.

3. The only thing that should be flushed down your toilet is toilet paper and human waste!

If you’re hosting Thanksgiving or you’re having overnight guests, chances are somebody won’t follow your “toilet paper only rule.” It may be worth posting a sign in your bathroom that warns your guests to NOT flush the following items:

  • Flushable wipes
  • Cleaning wipes
  • Cotton Balls & QTips
  • Facial Cleansing Pads
  • Sanitary napkins/feminine products
  • Paper towels

4. Fix the existing plumbing issues BEFORE Thanksgiving and before your guests arrive. If you have leaky faucet, clogged or slow running drain, a water heater on its last leg, or you’re having garbage disposal issues, give us a call to fix those problems TODAY!