Preventing Drain Disasters During the Holidays

Sewer and drain problems occur more frequently during the holiday months when kitchens are often at full capacity and guests are in the home. Kitchen sink drains and disposals, clogged toilets and backed up sewer lines are just a few of the common plumbing problems we see more of during the holiday season.

Here are some steps you can take to avoid sewer and drain disasters during the holidays.

1. Dispose of Grease Properly – Deep frying a turkey? Remember to never dispose of grease down the drain (including a floor drain). Instead, put the used grease in a sealed container and leave it in a cold place to let it solidify. It can then be disposed of with the garbage.
2. Watch What You Put Down the Disposal – Certain type of food waste are difficult for disposals to grind and can cause the unit to jam.  These include, banana peels, potato skins, bones, egg shells, coffee grounds are a few examples. As a rule, avoid putting starchy or fibrous food waste down the disposal.
3. Use the Disposal Properly – Run plenty of warm water to prevent oil and grease from accumulating. To prevent odors, run a few handfuls of ice through the disposal to remove food residue that can cause smells.
4. Maintain Your Sewer & Drain Lines – If you notice that drains are emptying slowly and toilets are backing up, schedule an appointment with MR Plumbing to have the lines cleaned. Having regular sewer line inspections is also a good idea. Using small cameras, we can find potential problems like tree root intrusion or cracks that could lead to a sewer line failure.
5. Use Strainers –  Ensure your kitchen and bathroom drains have a strainers when possible to prevent debris like hair from building up in the drain pipe.

Have sewer and drain problems?

First, try physically clearing the clog with a plunger. We recommend avoiding the use of chemical drain cleaning products. They can be hazardous to use and can damage plumbing fixtures. The safest, most effective way to clear your clogged drains is to Call MR Plumbing. We’re here to help anytime, even during the holidays.