Thanksgiving is a time for food, family, and celebration – but it’s also one of the busiest days of the year for plumbing emergencies. With more guests, more cooking, and more kitchen cleanup, your drains and garbage disposal work overtime. If you’re not careful, the extra strain on your plumbing system can lead to clogs, backups, and unwanted stress during the holiday.
Below, the pros at CW Cummings Plumbing share essential plumbing tips to help you keep things running smoothly and avoid a Thanksgiving plumbing disaster.
Be Gentle on Your Garbage Disposal
What Not to Put Down the Drain
Your garbage disposal is tough, but it’s not invincible. Certain foods can clog or damage it, especially when used heavily during the holidays. Keep these items out of your disposal:
- Grease, fats, and oils (they harden in pipes)
- Potato peels and starchy foods (they turn into a paste)
- Bones, coffee grounds, and eggshells (they can dull blades or clog drains)
- Fibrous vegetables like celery, onion skins, and corn husks
Instead, scrape leftovers into the trash or compost pile, and run cold water when using your disposal to help solidify grease and keep debris moving.
Give Your Drains a Pre-Holiday Checkup
Clean Slow Drains in Advance
If your sinks or tubs are already draining slowly, they’re likely to clog completely under holiday pressure. Use a natural drain cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water to flush out buildup.
For persistent slow drains, don’t wait – call in a pro to snake the line and restore proper flow before guests arrive.
Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners
Harsh chemicals can damage pipes and make problems worse over time. Stick to gentler methods or schedule a professional cleaning for peace of mind.
Stagger Dishwasher and Washing Machine Use
Don’t Overload Your System
Your plumbing system can only handle so much at once. When hosting guests, try to:
- Wait 30–60 minutes between running the dishwasher and taking showers
- Avoid doing multiple loads of laundry during meal prep
- Give your hot water heater a break to prevent lukewarm water for guests
This reduces stress on both your water heater and your drain lines, especially if you’re operating on an older system.
Watch for Warning Signs of Trouble
Don’t Ignore These Red Flags:
- Gurgling noises when draining water
- Bad smells coming from kitchen or bathroom drains
- Water backing up into sinks or tubs when other appliances run
These signs could point to a partial clog or sewer issue. Learn more in our guide to early sewer line warning signs.
Hosting a Crowd? Use Plumbing Wisely
Guest Bathroom Prep
Remind guests to only flush toilet paper – no wipes, paper towels, or hygiene products. Stock your bathroom with a small waste bin and plenty of toilet paper to avoid plumbing mishaps.
Add Strainers to Sinks
Simple sink strainers in the kitchen and bathroom can catch food scraps and hair, preventing buildup and reducing the risk of holiday clogs.
Call CW Cummings Plumbing Before or After the Holiday Rush
Whether you’re planning ahead or responding to a post-holiday clog, CW Cummings Plumbing is ready to help. We provide reliable, local plumbing service for Coventry and surrounding Rhode Island areas – and we know exactly how to handle seasonal plumbing stress.
Call (401) 828-7730 or contact us here to schedule a pre-Thanksgiving plumbing checkup – or get fast help when a holiday backup strikes.
