Drain clogs are a major plumbing issue during the holidays. During the holidays, more people fill homes, putting a strain on the plumbing system. People use toilets, showers, and sinks more than usual, and the garbage disposal gets overworked by the constant flow of food particles. With all that use, it is not surprising that drain clogs happen more around the holidays. Here are the top causes of clogged drains during the holidays.
Overusing Showers and Baths
Having more people in the house means more baths. With many people using the showers, it will likely run constantly any time everyone is getting ready to go somewhere. This increases the likelihood of blockage. There will be lots of hair, soap, and shampoo going through the drains, and there will not be enough time between showers for stuff to clear through the drains. This can cause backups and clogs. Consider installing hair catchers or screens in your shower drains to keep hair and other debris from getting into the pipes to limit clogs.
Flushing Foreign Items Down the Toilet
Your guests may flush non-flushable items such as hair, cotton balls, wipes, feminine hygiene products, and dental floss down the toilet. Because these items don't break down when thrown in the toilet, they may cause blockage and backups. Even flushable wipes will take some time to go down the toilet drains. So when lots of them keep getting flushed down the toilet, they may clog the drain. Establish a rule in your house of what people can and cannot flush down the toilet. You may post a reminder of this rule outside the toilet.
Throwing the Wrong Foods in the Garbage Disposal
A garbage disposal's grinding power depends on its motor. Garbage disposals with lower power ratings of 1/3hp and ½hp can only grind soft foods, fish bones, and vegetable scraps. On the other hand, garbage disposals with higher power ratings of 3/4hp and 1hp can grind bigger bones and harder foods such as meat and leftovers. Having many people in your house means you will cook a lot of food. As you prepare your holiday favorites, you may throw peels, chicken skins, eggshells, and even bones down the garbage disposal. If your garbage disposal does not have enough horsepower to grind these items, you will end up with a clog. Inform your guests about what your garbage disposal can and can't handle to avoid clogs, and ensure you follow your own rules.
Pouring Grease Down the Drains
As mentioned earlier, people cook a lot of food during holidays, which makes for many pots and pans that need cleaning. When you're in a rush to finish washing the dishes, you may end up pouring the grease in your puts down the drain. This is a major cause of drain clogs. Although grease is a liquid, it solidifies when poured down the drains as soon as it contacts the cool drain pipes, causing a blockage. Getting rid of grease once it blocks the drainage can be difficult. So instead of pouring grease down the drains, pour it into an empty bag and throw it away after it solidifies.
Failing to Clean the Drain Routinely
During holidays, you may forget to clean your drains as you spend time interacting with friends and family. When this happens, debris accumulates in the drains, causing clogs. Clean your drains regularly to minimize the occurrence of clogs. As you clean, focus especially on the overflow openings because debris that goes down to the pipes goes through them first. Plumbing problems can be a headache during the holidays. But, no matter which time of the year it is, you can count on us to get rid of your plumbing problems. Contact Complete Plumbing today for drain cleaning and other plumbing services in Dayton, Ohio, and the surrounding areas.
