Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, lots of food! But with the holiday hustle comes extra strain on your home’s plumbing system, and the last thing you want is a clogged drain or a toilet disaster in the middle of your gathering. At Aqua Knight Plumbing, we want to make sure your Thanksgiving runs smoothly—both in the kitchen and the bathroom. Here’s a handy guide to help you prepare your home’s plumbing for the holiday rush.
1. Watch What Goes Down the Drain
Thanksgiving dinners mean turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, and all sorts of delicious, rich foods. But those same tasty treats can wreak havoc on your kitchen plumbing if you’re not careful.
Grease is your enemy: Grease from cooking, like turkey fat or gravy, solidifies when it cools, leading to clogged pipes. Instead of pouring grease down the drain, let it cool, scrape it into a container, and dispose of it in the trash.
Use your garbage disposal wisely: Many people think garbage disposals can handle anything, but that’s a recipe for disaster. Avoid putting starchy foods (like potato peels), fibrous vegetables (like celery), or large bones down the disposal. Run cold water while using it to help clear the system.
Pro Tip: Before your guests arrive, run some hot water and a little dish soap down your kitchen sink to help clear any buildup and keep things flowing smoothly.
2. Prep Your Bathroom for Heavy Traffic
With more guests in your home, your bathrooms will see extra use. Toilets, sinks, and showers will all experience more wear and tear, and that can spell trouble if you’re not prepared.
Toilet care is key: Remind guests not to flush anything other than toilet paper—especially things like paper towels, wipes (even if they say they’re “flushable”), or feminine hygiene products. To avoid awkward situations, make sure your bathroom is stocked with plenty of toilet paper and a visible trash can for other items.
Fix any existing issues: If you’ve been putting off fixing that running toilet or slow drain, now’s the time. A constantly running toilet can waste gallons of water, and a slow-draining sink could quickly become a clogged mess with added use. Consider scheduling a pre-holiday check-up with Aqua Knight Plumbing to ensure everything is in working order before the big day.
3. Prevent Clogged Drains
Your bathroom sink and shower drains may also face more hair and soap buildup with increased use. These clogs tend to happen at the most inconvenient times, like when guests are lining up for the bathroom.
Use drain strainers: Installing strainers in your bathroom sinks and showers can help catch hair and soap scum, preventing clogs before they start. They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you a big headache later on.
Keep a plunger handy: Sometimes, even with the best preventive measures, a clog can happen. Make sure you have a plunger in the bathroom that guests can use if needed.
4. Mind the Water Heater
There’s nothing worse than running out of hot water when your house is full of guests who need to shower, or when you’re doing dishes after dinner.
Turn up the water heater: Before guests arrive, check your water heater’s temperature. Consider temporarily turning it up a few degrees to accommodate the extra hot water demand (but don’t exceed 120°F to prevent scalding).
Space out showers: If you have a large group staying with you, ask guests to space out showers and wait 15-20 minutes between each to give the water heater a chance to recover.
5. Prepare for Emergencies
No matter how well you prepare, plumbing emergencies can happen. It’s a good idea to have a plan in place in case something goes wrong during your Thanksgiving celebration.
Know where your main water shut-off valve is: If you experience a major plumbing issue, like a burst pipe or severe leak, you’ll want to turn off the water to prevent flooding and damage. Make sure you know where the shut-off valve is and how to operate it.
Have a professional on speed dial: At Aqua Knight Plumbing, we understand that plumbing emergencies don’t always happen at convenient times. If something goes wrong, don’t hesitate to call us at 630-755-0583. We’re here to help keep your holiday stress-free and your plumbing in tip-top shape.
Final Thoughts
With a little preparation, you can keep your plumbing system running smoothly during Thanksgiving, avoiding messy disasters and letting you focus on what matters: enjoying time with family and friends. Whether you need pre-holiday maintenance or emergency plumbing help, Aqua Knight Plumbing has your back this holiday season!
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Aqua Knight Plumbing!