5 Common Thanksgiving Plumbing Problems And How to Fix Them

Thanksgiving is a time for food, family, and fun – but for many homeowners in Harford County, MD, it can also be a time for plumbing headaches. With the extra cooking, cleaning, and guests in the home, your plumbing system gets a workout during the holiday season, leading to issues that can quickly turn into costly repairs. From clogged drains to malfunctioning dishwashers, it’s essential to be prepared for common plumbing problems that often pop up this time of year. Here are five of the most common Thanksgiving plumbing issues and some helpful tips on how to fix or prevent them.

5 Common Thanksgiving Plumbing Problems And How to Fix Them

Clogged Drains from Cooking and Excess Food Waste

One of the most frequent plumbing issues during Thanksgiving is clogged drains due to excess food waste. With all the cooking and food preparation that goes into a Thanksgiving feast, it’s easy for food scraps, grease, and oil to make their way into the kitchen sink. Over time, these substances can solidify and create stubborn blockages in your pipes.

How to Fix It:

• Scrape plates into the trash before rinsing them in the sink to minimize food waste entering the pipes.
• Use a sink strainer to catch small bits of food and prevent them from going down the drain.
• Avoid pouring grease or oil down the sink, as they harden when cooled and create clogs. Instead, dispose of them in a container and throw it in the trash.
• If a clog does occur, avoid using chemical drain cleaners. They can damage your pipes over time. Instead, try using a plunger or an eco-friendly drain snake to clear the blockage.

Harford County homeowners should be especially cautious with kitchen waste during Thanksgiving, as older homes in the area may have older pipes more susceptible to clogs.

Garbage Disposal Mishaps

Garbage disposals are convenient, but they’re not invincible. Many people mistakenly believe they can throw anything down the disposal, especially during the holidays when they’re trying to clear up after a big meal. Items like potato peels, celery, and bones can jam the blades, while grease and oil can solidify in the disposal, causing further problems.

How to Fix It:

• Run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal to help wash down food particles and prevent buildup.
• Avoid putting fibrous foods, bones, and non-food items down the disposal. Items like celery and potato peels can wrap around the blades, jamming them.
• If the disposal jams, reset it using the reset button on the bottom of the unit, and use a wrench to rotate the blades manually if necessary.

By following these tips, you can prevent Thanksgiving mishaps with your garbage disposal. Remember, if your disposal stops working or starts leaking, call a professional plumber to help avoid further damage.

Malfunctioning Dishwashers and Sinks

After a big Thanksgiving meal, the last thing you want is a broken dishwasher or clogged sink, leaving you with a mountain of dirty dishes. Malfunctioning dishwashers and slow-draining sinks are common during the holidays due to overuse and improper disposal of food waste.

How to Fix It:

• Scrape off excess food into the trash before loading dishes into the dishwasher. Large food particles can clog the dishwasher’s drainage system.
• Rinse plates lightly to remove clumps of food and use a sink strainer to catch food scraps while rinsing.
• Check for clogs in the dishwasher’s filter and clean it out as necessary. This can prevent slow drainage and keep your dishwasher running smoothly.

If your dishwasher or sink does clog or back up, contact a local Harford County plumber for assistance. Five Star Plumbing can inspect your appliances, ensure proper drainage, and get things back to normal before your guests arrive.

Frozen or Burst Pipes Due to Cold Weather

Thanksgiving often brings colder temperatures to Harford County, and with that, the risk of frozen or burst pipes increases. If water in your pipes freezes, it can expand and cause the pipes to burst, leading to extensive water damage and costly repairs.

How to Fix It:

• Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas of your home, such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Use foam insulation sleeves or wrap pipes with heat tape.
• Keep your thermostat set to a minimum temperature during cold weather to prevent freezing. Even if you’re away, keep the heat on to avoid frozen pipes.
• Let faucets drip on particularly cold nights. The small trickle of water helps relieve pressure in the pipes, reducing the risk of freezing.

In the event that your pipes do freeze, use a hairdryer or warm towels to thaw them slowly. Avoid using open flames or high-powered heaters as they can damage the pipes. If you experience a burst pipe, turn off the main water supply immediately and call a plumber to prevent further water damage.

Roots Invading Your Sewer Lines

Roots can infiltrate sewer lines over time, leading to slow drainage and even pipe breakage. While this isn’t a Thanksgiving-specific issue, it’s common for sewer problems to surface when plumbing is used heavily, such as during family gatherings or holidays.

How to Fix It:

• Schedule regular drain cleaning every few years to help keep roots and other debris from clogging your pipes.
• If you notice slow drains, gurgling sounds, or frequent backups, consider a professional sewer inspection. A plumber can use a camera to check for roots or blockages in your pipes.
• Install root barriers if you have trees near your sewer line to prevent future issues.

Harford County homeowners with older homes and mature landscaping may be especially prone to root issues, as tree roots can seek out small cracks in pipes to access water.

Tips for Avoiding Thanksgiving Plumbing Problems

• Dispose of waste properly: Scrape food scraps into the trash, not the sink or garbage disposal.
• Use strainers in your sink to catch food particles.
• Run cold water when using the garbage disposal and avoid fibrous or hard foods.
• Insulate pipes in unheated areas and maintain your home’s heating during cold weather.
• Schedule routine plumbing maintenance to prevent surprises during the holiday season.

Taking these preventive steps can save you from unexpected plumbing issues during Thanksgiving, allowing you to enjoy the holiday with peace of mind.

Contact Five Star Plumbing Today For A Plumbing Repair Services In Harford County, MD

If you’re experiencing plumbing issues this Thanksgiving or want to prevent potential problems, Five Star Plumbing is here to help. Our team of experienced plumbers proudly serves Harford County, MD, including Bel Air, Aberdeen, and Havre de Grace. Whether you need help with a clogged drain, a frozen pipe, or a malfunctioning garbage disposal, we’ve got you covered. Don’t let plumbing problems ruin your Thanksgiving festivities. Contact Five Star Plumbing today to schedule an appointment or request emergency repair services. We’ll ensure your plumbing is in top shape so you can focus on what matters most – enjoying a stress-free holiday with family and friends.