The holiday season is a time of joy, family gatherings, and delicious meals; however, with the increased usage of your kitchen and bathroom, it’s also a time when plumbing issues can arise. One of the most common problems homeowners face during the holidays is clogged drains. To help you avoid these plumbing mishaps, we’ve compiled a list of holiday plumbing tips on what not to put down your kitchen and bathroom drains. By following these simple guidelines, you can keep your plumbing functional and enjoy a stress free holiday season.
Kitchen Drain No-Nos
When it comes to the holidays and holiday plumbing tips, quite possibly no room is more important than the kitchen. Below, we review some things that you should never put down your kitchen drains, even if you have a garbage disposal, to keep your plumbing in top shape.
- Grease and Oil Grease and oil may be liquid when hot, but they solidify as they cool. Pouring them down the drain can lead to serious blockages in your pipes. Instead, allow the grease to cool and solidify in a container, then dispose of it in the trash.
- Coffee Grounds Coffee grounds do not break down in water and can accumulate in your pipes, leading to clogs. Dispose of coffee grounds in your compost bin or trash can to avoid drain issues.
- Eggshells While some believe that eggshells help clean garbage disposals, they actually contribute to drain blockages. The small pieces can catch on other debris and create a stubborn clog. Dispose of eggshells in the trash or compost.
- Pasta and Rice Pasta and rice expand when they come into contact with water, which can cause them to swell and clog your pipes. Scrape leftovers into the trash before rinsing dishes in the sink.
- Fibrous Vegetables Vegetables like celery, potato peels, and onion skins are fibrous and can wrap around the blades of your garbage disposal, causing it to jam. These should be thrown in the compost or trash.
Bathroom Drain Don’ts
With added people in your Central Arkansas home, comes added use for your home’s bathrooms. When it comes to holiday plumbing tips, there are certain things you should never put down your bathroom drains or flush. Some of these include:
- Hair Hair is a common cause of bathroom drain clogs. Use a drain cover to catch hair before it goes down the drain, and clean the cover regularly.
- Soap Scum Soap scum can build up over time and cause blockages in your bathroom drains. To minimize soap scum, use a drain cover and clean it frequently, and consider switching to liquid soap.
- Hygiene Products Items such as sanitary napkins, tampons, baby wipes, and “flushable” wipes should never be flushed down the toilet. These products do not break down like toilet paper and can cause severe blockages. Always dispose of them in a wastebasket.
- Dental Floss Dental floss may seem harmless, but it does not dissolve in water and can wrap around other debris in your pipes, leading to clogs. Dispose of floss in the trash.
- Paper Towels and Tissues Unlike toilet paper, paper towels and tissues do not break down quickly in water. They can cause significant blockages if flushed down the toilet. Always dispose of them in the trash.
Avoid Drain Disasters This Festive Season
By being mindful of what you put down your kitchen and bathroom drains, you can avoid the common plumbing issues that often arise during the busy holiday season. Prevention is key to maintaining functional and hassle free plumbing; however, if you do encounter any plumbing problems, don’t hesitate to contact Airmasters Heating and Air Conditioning for all your Little Rock area plumbing needs. Our experienced technicians are ready to help ensure your home stays comfortable and functional throughout the holidays and beyond. From drain cleaning to 24-hour plumbing services, we are here for you and your home.
Enjoy the festive season with peace of mind, knowing that your plumbing is in good hands with Airmasters Heating and Air Conditioning.
