Thanksgiving Plumbing Tips: Protecting Your Pipes During the Holidays

← Back to Blog

Plumbers across the country report that the day after Thanksgiving — sometimes called "Brown Friday" in the industry — is one of the busiest days of the year for emergency calls. The combination of extra cooking, more guests, and higher-than-usual system demand puts your plumbing to the test. Here's how to sail through the holidays without a plumbing disaster.

Kitchen Sink: The Danger Zone

Thanksgiving is the number one day for kitchen sink clogs. The culprit is almost always grease, fat, and oil — the natural byproducts of roasting a turkey and making all those side dishes.

• Never pour grease or fat down the drain. Collect it in an old coffee can or jar and dispose of it in the trash.
• Run cold water before, during, and after using the garbage disposal.
• Cut turkey scraps and vegetables into small pieces before sending them down the disposal.
• Avoid these disposal killers: celery strings, potato peels, turkey bones, onion skins, pasta, and rice.

Garbage Disposal Best Practices

Your disposal can handle a lot, but it has limits. Think of it as a helper for small scraps, not a trash can. Always run water for 15–20 seconds after you're done using it to flush debris through the drain line. If it jams, resist the urge to reach in — use the hex wrench (usually stored under the unit) to manually rotate the blade from the bottom.

Guest Bathroom Preparation

More guests means more toilet flushes, and toilets are already the most common source of plumbing emergencies. Before your guests arrive:

• Stock extra toilet paper and place a waste basket in the bathroom for alternatives.
• Put a friendly reminder sign near the toilet: "Please flush only toilet paper — thank you!"
• Know the location of your main water shutoff valve in case of emergency.
• Keep a plunger accessible (but discreet) in each bathroom.

Before the Big Day: Pre-Holiday Plumbing Check

A quick walkthrough the day before can save you a lot of stress:

• Run hot water down all drains for 30 seconds to check flow speed
• Check under sinks for any slow drips or moisture
• Test your garbage disposal with a handful of ice cubes
• Confirm your water heater is set to 120°F (enough for guests, safe against scalding)