The holidays are a time for family, friends, and lots of yummy food, but before you start cooking up a storm, be sure to read this post. Certain things should never be put down the drain, especially during Thanksgiving. If they end up in your pipes, they can cause far-reaching blockages that will require professional help to fix, which can end up being costly.
For instance, it is extremely easy to release greasy waste down the drain. What you may not know is that hot grease eventually cools. It then hardens and sticks to the walls of your drainage pipes, which is a recipe for a plumbing disaster. Read on to discover more stuff you should never put down the drain, as well as what to do with it instead.
1. Coffee Grounds
There is a myth that coffee grounds can help prevent drain clogs and other plumbing issues. Since they can go down the drain, over time, coffee grounds can build up and cause blockages. The problem is that these tiny coffee grounds can clump together and create a barrier that prevents water from flowing freely through your pipes. Furthermore, they do not dissolve easily and this is why they will slow down your drains over time. Instead of putting coffee grounds down the drain, dispose of them in the trash.
2. Eggshells
While you may think that eggshells are harmless, they can wreak havoc on your drains. When they break down, they release a substance called calcium carbonate. This substance can adhere to the sides of your pipes and cause serious obstruction. Note that eggshells don’t break down easily, they can get stuck in the trap of your sink, or worse, they can cause cracks in your pipes. For this reason, avoid putting them down the drain. Rather, dispose of them in the trash or compost them.
3. Cooking Oil
Cooking oil is one of the worst offenders when it comes to clogging drains. When you pour hot oil down the drain, it cools and hardens. Over time, this oil clogs your pipes and leads to far-reaching drainage issues. With cooking oil, there is much more to worry about besides clogging your drains. For example, it produces a stench that can permeate your entire house. They also attract insects and rodents. To avoid all these, always pour your oil into a container and let it cool before disposing of it in the trash.
4. Turkey Fat
Turkey is a popular delicacy during Thanksgiving. However, you should never pour turkey fat down the drain. Turkey often tends to have high-fat levels, which upon cooling, solidifies and sticks to the sides of your pipes. This can then lead to major blockages that will bring your holiday cooking to a screeching halt. The best way to dispose of this kind of waste is by not pouring it down your drain. Instead, let it harden, and then throw it away.
5. Starchy Vegetables
Starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, yams, and squash, can also cause plumbing-related problems with your drains. When these vegetables are cooked, they release starch into the water. Unfortunately, starch is a type of carbohydrate that can cling to the sides of your pipes and cause clogs. Therefore, it is best to avoid putting starchy vegetables down the drain. Instead, compost them or throw them in the trash.
Grease is undoubtedly one of the most challenging things to clean off your dishes, and it is similarly tough on your drains. While you busy yourself with prepping your holiday feast, it is crucial to remember what NOT to put down the drain. A clogged sink is the last thing anyone wants during Thanksgiving dinner. By following these simple tips, you can steer clear of a plumbing disaster and have a stress-free holiday meal. And in case you do end up with a clogged drain, don’t hesitate to contact us for all your plumbing needs. We will be happy to help, so you can enjoy your turkey dinner worry-free!