Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. But with all the cooking and feasting, it’s also a time when your drains can become clogged and cause major headaches.
From grease and food scraps to excess toilet paper and guests using your bathroom, your drains can easily become clogged and cause water to back up into your sinks, showers, and toilets. In this article, we’ll discuss how to clear drains after your Turkey Day feast and prevent any plumbing disasters.
Why Do Drains Get Clogged?
Before we dive into how to clear drains, it’s important to understand why they get clogged in the first place. Here are some common reasons for clogged drains:
Grease and Food Scraps
During Thanksgiving, there’s a lot of cooking and cleaning happening in the kitchen. This means there’s a higher chance of grease and food scraps going down your sink drain. Over time, these substances can build up and cause a clog.
Excess Toilet Paper
With more people using your bathroom during the holidays, there’s a higher chance of excess toilet paper being flushed down the toilet. This can easily lead to a clogged toilet and cause water to back up.
Guests Using Your Bathroom
Having guests over means more people using your bathroom, which can put a strain on your plumbing system. This can lead to clogs in your shower and sink drains.
How to Clear Drains After Your Turkey Day Feast
Now that you know why drains get clogged, let’s discuss how to clear them after your Thanksgiving feast. Here are some effective methods for clearing clogged drains:
Plunging
A plunger is a simple and effective tool for clearing clogs in your toilet, sink, or shower drains. To use a plunger, place the rubber end over the drain and push down and pull up repeatedly to create suction. This will help dislodge any clogs and allow water to flow freely again.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
A mixture of baking soda and vinegar can also help clear clogged drains. Start by pouring half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes, then pour hot water down the drain to flush out any remaining debris.
Drain Snake
A drain snake, also known as a plumbing auger, is a long, flexible tool that can reach deep into your pipes to remove clogs. Insert the snake into the drain and twist it to break up any clogs. Once the clog is cleared, run hot water down the drain to flush out any remaining debris.
Chemical Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners can be effective in clearing clogs, but they can also be harmful to your pipes and the environment. If you choose to use a chemical drain cleaner, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and use it sparingly.
Preventing Clogged Drains
While it’s important to know how to clear drains, it’s even more important to prevent them from getting clogged in the first place. Here are some tips for preventing clogged drains:
Dispose of Grease Properly
Instead of pouring grease down your sink drain, let it cool and then dispose of it in the trash. You can also use a grease trap to catch any excess grease and prevent it from going down your drain.
Use a Drain Cover
A drain cover can help catch food scraps and other debris before they go down your drain. This can prevent clogs and save you from having to clear them later on.
Don’t Flush Anything Besides Toilet Paper
To prevent clogs in your toilet, remind your guests to only flush toilet paper. Anything else, such as wipes or feminine products, can easily cause a clog.
Regularly Clean Your Drains
Regularly cleaning your drains can help prevent clogs from forming. You can use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar or a store-bought drain cleaner to keep your drains clear.
Clearing Storm Drains and Gutter Drains
In addition to your indoor drains, it’s also important to clear any clogs in your outdoor storm drains and gutter drains. These drains can become clogged with leaves, debris, and other outdoor materials, which can cause water to back up and potentially damage your home.
To clear a clogged storm drain, you can use a plumbing auger or a high-pressure water hose to break up any debris. For gutter drains, you can use a gutter cleaning tool or a garden hose to remove any clogs.
When to Call a Professional
If you’re unable to clear a clogged drain using the methods mentioned above, it’s best to call a professional plumber. At W.J. McNabb Plumbing, we have the tools and expertise to safely and effectively clear any clogs and prevent future plumbing issues.
Give us a call if you notice any signs of a more serious plumbing issue, such as foul odors, slow draining, or water backing up into your sinks or toilets.
Takeaways
Thanksgiving is a time for celebration, but it’s also a time when your drains can become clogged and cause major headaches. By understanding why drains get clogged and how to clear them, you can prevent any plumbing disasters and enjoy a stress-free holiday season.
Remember to dispose of grease properly, use a drain cover, and regularly clean your drains to prevent clogs. And if you’re unable to clear a clog or notice any signs of a more serious plumbing issue, don’t hesitate to call W.J. McNabb for assistance.