What Not to Put Down Your Drain this Thanksgiving

As Thanksgiving approaches, the anticipation of a delicious feast and quality time with loved ones fills the air. While you’re busy perfecting your turkey recipe and planning the ultimate pumpkin pie, there’s one aspect of the holiday preparations that often goes overlooked – the aftermath. The post-Thanksgiving cleanup can quickly turn into a plumbing nightmare if you’re not mindful of what goes down the drain.

AAA Service Plumbing, Heating & Electric will explore the common pitfalls and potential disasters that arise from improper disposal practices during the holiday season. From leftover grease to unsuspecting food scraps, discover what items should never make their way into your kitchen sink. Let’s ensure a smooth-flowing, clog-free Thanksgiving celebration, where the only thing going down the drain is water.

Thanksgiving Foods to Keep Away from Your Drain

It’s no secret that Thanksgiving dinner comes with unavoidable cleanup. However, a little extra care when clearing the table and doing the dishes can save you from a plumbing headache. Make sure to keep these foods away from your drain during your holiday dinner:

Turkey Grease

The drippings from your delicious roasted turkey might be tempting to wash down the drain, but they can solidify and cause clogs. Dispose of turkey grease in a container and throw it in the trash.

Potato Peels

While potatoes themselves are a Thanksgiving staple, their peels can wreak havoc on your plumbing. The starchy peels can turn into a sticky paste, forming blockages in your pipes. Throw potato peels in the trash or compost them instead.

Meat Bones

Resist the urge to dispose of turkey bones and carcass down the disposal. They can jam the blades and cause a serious plumbing issue. Opt for composting or trash disposal to avoid unwanted blockages.

Stuffing and Casseroles

Leftover stuffing and casseroles may contain a mix of ingredients that, when combined, create a thick and gooey substance. Avoid introducing these mixtures to your drain to prevent potential clogs.

Stringy Vegetables

Fibrous vegetables like celery and green beans may seem harmless, but their stringy nature can tangle around disposal blades and lead to malfunctions. Toss these in the trash or compost bin instead.

Fats, Oils, and Gravy

Liquid fats, oils, and rich gravies can solidify in your pipes, contributing to clogs over time. Allow them to cool and solidify in a container, then dispose of them in the trash.

Dairy Products

Creamy side dishes and desserts might be indulgent, but pouring leftover dairy products down the drain can lead to unpleasant odors and clogs. Dispose of them in the trash or use an alternative method like composting.

Tips for Keeping Your Plumbing System in Good Shape this Thanksgiving

If you want to enjoy a smooth post-Thanksgiving cleanup without the worry of plumbing problems, make sure to follow these tips:

• Use a Sink Strainer: Place a sink strainer over the drain to catch food particles and prevent them from going down the pipes. This simple tool can save you from potential clogs.
• Scrape Plates Before Rinsing: Before rinsing dishes, scrape leftover food into the trash. This reduces the amount of food particles that can accumulate in your plumbing.
• Compost Food Scraps: Consider starting a compost bin for fruit and vegetable scraps. This not only helps the environment but also reduces the load on your garbage disposal.
• Schedule a Professional Inspection: If you notice slow drainage or suspect a plumbing issue, consider scheduling a professional inspection. Catching potential problems early can save you from more significant issues down the line.
• Educate Your Guests: If you’re hosting Thanksgiving, let your guests know what can and cannot go down the drain. A gentle reminder can go a long way in preventing plumbing mishaps.

It’s all about being mindful of what goes down the drain and taking proactive steps to keep your plumbing in good shape.

Drain Services in the Denver Metro Area

As the holiday season approaches, the last thing you need is a plumbing hiccup disrupting the festive cheer. With AAA Service Plumbing, Heating & Electric by your side, you can rest easy, knowing that your drains are in capable hands. Don’t let clogs and backups spoil the joy of the season – let us handle the dirty work so you can focus on creating lasting memories with your loved ones. Contact us today for a reliable and efficient solution to all your drain cleaning needs.