How to Keep Your Drains Clog-Free During the Holidays in 6 Steps
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November Offer
Save the Feast! $99 Garbage Disposal Special!
Call THE Mink Plumbing and SAVE THE FEAST!
Holiday drain care in Tyler, TX starts before the first guest walks in. A full house means more showers, more flushes and a lot more food going down the kitchen sink, and drains that were already slow tend to give out at the worst moment. A few small habits, started this week, can keep your holiday plans from turning into a plumbing emergency.
Even the best hosts get a little help sometimes. Here are six tips from THE Mink Plumbing to keep your drains running smoothly all season, and when it's worth calling in the heroes.
Of course, should any concerns arise, our expert team of Tyler, TX plumbers is here to assist you, offering reliable solutions to keep your holidays worry-free! Call THE Mink Hotline today.
1) Check Your Drains Before the Guests Arrive
Run each sink, tub and shower for a minute or two and watch how fast the water drains. If anything is sluggish or gurgles, deal with it now rather than when the house is full. A slow drain is often an early sign of a clog that will only get worse with heavier use. If you spot one, schedule drain cleaning in Tyler, TX before the holiday rush.
2) Mind Your Garbage Disposal
The disposal takes the biggest beating on a holiday, so go easy on it. Keep these out of it:
- Starchy leftovers such as mashed potatoes, rice and pasta, which turn to paste
- Bones and fibrous vegetables such as celery and corn husks
- Grease, oil and fat of any kind
Run cold water for 20 to 30 seconds after the disposal stops, and feed it in small amounts instead of one big load. If it jams, hums or backs up, our garbage disposal repair team can help.
3) Keep Grease and “Flushable” Wipes Out of the Pipes
Grease cools and hardens inside your pipes, even when it goes down with hot water. Let it cool, then scrape it into the trash. The same goes for wipes labeled “flushable.” Only toilet paper belongs in the toilet, and that matters even more when extra people are using it.
4) Choose Toilet Paper Wisely
With more people in the house, pick a mid-range toilet paper instead of extra-thick or quilted rolls. It breaks down more easily and handles the extra traffic with less risk of a clog. It's a good habit all year.
5) Space Out Showers
Leave about 15 minutes between showers. That gives drains a chance to clear, cuts down on hair and soap buildup, and gives the water heater time to recover so everyone gets a hot shower.
6) Run Water in the Guest Bathroom
If your guest bathroom or a floor drain sits unused most of the year, the water in the trap can dry out, which lets sewer odors into the room. Run the tap and flush the toilet a day or two before guests arrive to refill the traps.
Signs You Should Call a Plumber Before the Party
Some problems are bigger than a quick fix. Call a plumber if you notice any of these:
- More than one drain running slowly at the same time
- Gurgling sounds from drains or toilets
- Water backing up in a tub, shower or floor drain
- A sewage smell that doesn't go away after refilling the traps
These can point to a clog deeper in the line, and chemical drain cleaners are not a safe fix. Our guide to the signs of a sewer clog explains what's going on, and a sewer inspection can find the cause.
Enjoy the Holidays. We've Got Your Drains.
Hosting is a lot to juggle, and your plumbing shouldn't be one more thing on the list. A quick drain check, a careful disposal and a few smart habits will carry most homes through the season. If something does go wrong, THE Mink Plumbing is ready to help, so a holiday backup doesn't have to ruin the party. Our Tyler team is ready to swoop in, restore your drains and get you back to the celebration. Contact THE Mink today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent a clogged drain during the holidays?
Check for slow drains before guests arrive, keep grease and starchy leftovers out of the disposal, flush only toilet paper, and space out showers. Small habits add up when the house is full.
Can I put turkey grease or leftovers down the garbage disposal?
No. Grease hardens in the pipes, and starchy or fibrous leftovers can jam the disposal or cause a backup. Let grease cool and throw it away.
What should I do if my drain backs up on a holiday?
Stop using the affected fixtures and call a plumber. Skip chemical drain cleaners, which can damage pipes.
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