While you’re busy planning your holiday feast, don’t forget about an often-overlooked aspect of your home: your drains!
As Thanksgiving approaches, the crisp autumn air in Raleigh, North Carolina and the surrounding area carries the promise of festive gatherings and delicious meals … but we want to give you tips on what shouldn’t end up in your drains. At Weather Master, we know that a clogged drain can quickly turn your celebration into a headache. So, let’s talk turkey about how to keep your plumbing flowing smoothly this holiday season.
Start with a clean slate
Before the holiday hustle begins, give your drains a fresh start. You don’t need harsh chemicals to do the job – a simple mixture of vinegar and baking soda can work wonders. Pour it down the drain, let it fizz for a bit, then flush with hot water. It’s like a spa day for your pipes! If you’re not feeling up to the task, our team at Weather Master would be happy to give your drains a professional once-over.
Mind what goes down the drain
Now, we know you’re not intentionally trying to clog your drains, but sometimes those pesky food scraps have a mind of their own. The biggest culprits? Fats, oils, and grease – or FOG, as we like to call them. These slippery characters might seem harmless when they’re warm and liquid, but they can congeal in your pipes faster than gravy on a cold plate. Instead of sending them down the drain, collect them in an appropriate container and toss them in the trash.
Strainer saver
Speaking of food scraps, a simple drain strainer can be your best friend during holiday meal prep. It’s like a bouncer for your sink, keeping those unwanted food particles from sneaking into your pipes. Just remember to empty it regularly, or you’ll end up with a clog above the drain instead of in it!
Hot water flush
After you’ve finished cleaning up from your culinary adventures, treat your drains to a hot water flush. Let the tap run hot for a few minutes to help wash away any lingering food particles. Think of it as a final rinse for your pipes.
Guest etiquette
If you’re hosting guests this Thanksgiving, a gentle reminder about drain dos and don’ts can go a long way. You don’t have to lecture them – just a friendly heads-up can prevent accidental drain disasters. After all, you want your guests talking about your amazing pumpkin pie, not your plumbing problems!
Pre-holiday check-up
Just like you’d get your furnace checked before winter hits, consider giving your plumbing system a once-over before the holiday season. Our Weather Master team would be happy to inspect your pipes and make sure everything’s ship-shape for the festivities. And if you do run into a clogged drain, we are standing by ready to fix it!
Garbage disposal tips
Your garbage disposal can be a real kitchen hero during the holidays, but even heroes have their limits. Don’t overload it with large quantities of food scraps all at once. And those turkey bones? They belong in the trash, not in your disposal. Treat your disposal right, and it’ll keep grinding away happily for many Thanksgivings to come.
Be prepared
Even with all these precautions, sometimes clogs happen. Keep a plunger and a drain snake on hand, just in case. They’re like the first aid kit for your plumbing – hopefully you won’t need them, but you’ll be glad to have them if you do.
By following these tips, you can focus on what really matters this Thanksgiving – enjoying time with loved ones and savoring that perfectly roasted turkey. And remember, if you find yourself in a drain dilemma, the expert plumbers at Weather Master are just a phone call away. We’re always here to help keep your home running smoothly, no matter the season. Happy Thanksgiving!
Contact us online or call us at (919) 853-7910!