The holidays are always a busy time of the year in many American kitchens. And it’s no coincidence that it will also be one of the busiest times of the year for plumbers. In the emergency plumbing business, garbage disposal and sink clogs are as much a holiday tradition as Christmas lights and your favorite meal.
The entire holiday season can push some household plumbing systems to their limit, both from the surge in kitchen activity and the increased bathroom traffic from gatherings and overnight guests. But if you observe a few best practices and perform some light maintenance, you can keep your kitchen and bathroom in prime plumbing condition for the holidays.
Disposals Aren’t for Everything
Used properly, your garbage disposal can save you from some of the messiest kitchen tasks. It’s ideal for disposing of leftovers that are too liquid or smelly for the trash can, and it can make quick work of a whole spectrum of kitchen scraps. But even top-of-the-line disposals can struggle with some substances, and knowing what to avoid is key.
This kitchen waste belongs in the trash, never the disposal:
Celery and asparagus: vegetables like these are so fibrous that they can actually wrap around the disposal blade and grind it to a halt.
Potato peels: this is a rookie Thanksgiving mistake — if you peel your potatoes into the disposal, you run the risk of creating a starchy paste that can gum up the works.
Fat, grease and oil: These can solidify around the blade and in your drain pipe, restricting movement and water flow.
Pasta and rice: These foods expand in water, even after they’ve been fully cooked. Stuffing your disposal with leftover noodles can overfill the chamber before you know it.
Bones: Fine fish bones are generally okay, but turkey bones and anything larger belongs in the garbage or compost.
Whether you need emergency help with an overstuffed disposal or a plumbing issue, your local Clear Drain Plumbing is standing by to help!
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