Are you hosting or attending a “Big Game” party this year? Right after Thanksgiving, the day after The Big Game is when a lot of homeowners call for plumbing services. That’s because it’s the second-largest day of food consumption in the US! The vast amounts of food and guests can wreak havoc on a home’s plumbing system.
Here are some tips to get your home’s plumbing Big Game ready! These tips will also come in handy if you’re a guest at someone else’s party. No one wants to be the person who causes a backed-up sink or toilet! Avoid having to call for a plumber and ruining the festivities with these 4 tips.
1. Dispose of Grease Properly
Big Game Sunday isn’t a day of healthy eating by any means. Chicken wings, cheesy dips, loaded nachos, meatballs, and sliders are popular foods that have one main ingredient: delicious, fatty grease.
You might be tempted to pour the contents of some greasy frying pans or baking sheets right down the sink. However, that’s a definite recipe for a clogged kitchen sink drain. That grease may look like it’s a liquid now, but as soon as it enters your home’s cold pipes, it’ll solidify and cause a blockage. You may not notice the effects now, but eventually, that mass of grease will cause a clog.
Instead, pour that grease right into the trash can. You can also wipe down all cookware and serving trays with paper towels.
2. Remove Non-Flushable Items from the Bathroom
You probably know that you shouldn’t flush paper towels, “flushable wipes,” and Kleenex down your toilet. But your guests probably don’t know this. That’s why it’s best to simply remove any non-flushable items from the bathrooms.
Make sure there’s also an empty trash can located in an obvious place in all your bathrooms. You could also post a small note with a gentle reminder about what shouldn’t be flushed in case your guests bring some of these items with them.
3. Know What Shouldn’t Go Down the Disposal
Big Game Sunday is hectic with lots of food prep and cleanup. It’s a great time to remind yourself about what shouldn’t go down the garbage disposal.
Bones, potato peels, onion skins, pasta, beans, rice, egg shells, corn cobs and husks, shrimp shells, and fibrous vegetables should never be put down the disposal.
4. Know Where Your Water Shut-Off Valve Is
This is something you should know at any time of year. Your home has a master shut-off valve that’ll turn the water off to your home. If you experience a major plumbing problem, knowing how to turn off your home’s water is vital to stemming the damage.
5. Schedule Drain Cleaning
If you’ve never had your drains cleaned by a professional plumber, this is an excellent pre-emptive measure. Using hydrojetting technology, we can clear away any existing clogs or partial blockages, ensuring your plumbing system is ready not just for Game Day, but for the years to come.
Contact HM Plumbing today to discuss plumbing in Smyrna, GA. Serving with Integrity.