A Few Thanksgiving Plumbing Tricks

The drain, and disposal can be a problem on Thanksgiving.  Many people mistreat the disposal on the food-laden holiday. Here are a few tips to keep you humming along without having to wait around for the 'fix it' guy. This way you can enjoy the game with your piece of pie!

Be Gentle to Your Disposal
Don't treat the disposal like a trash can. Throw as much food waste as possible in the trash or compost pile. When using the disposal, feed the waste gradually into the drain.

Be Picky About What You Grind Up
Don't put bones, poultry, vegetable peels, celery (its stringy) or fruit down the garbage disposal

Keep Grease to a Minimum
Do not pour excess fat or cooking oil down the drain. Put in a container and then throw it out. Also wipe off excess grease from your turkey pan with a paper towel before you put into the sink to wash.

Disposal & Water Go Together
run the water when using the disposal, and keep it running for a few seconds after you turn the power off.

Don't Run the Dishwasher
Don't run the dishwasher if you think there is a problem with the disposal. The dishwasher discharges into the disposal.

If you do get clogged here is a method to try before giving the plumber a call:

Heat up a cup of vinegar in the microwave, in the meantime pour one cup of baking soda down the clogged drain. Follow that with your cup of heated vinegar. The mixture will bubble and fizz, so stuff and old rag into the drain to keep the reaction in the drain to do its work there. Wait 5- 10 minutes and then pour some boiling water down the drain. For difficult clogs it may take two or three times before working. 

When everything is all cleaned up you can leave the kitchen with a wonderful smell by placing a few lemon rinds in the disposal to grind up. Happy Thanksgiving!