7 Tips for Preventing Major Clogs During the Holidays

Nothing spoils any gathering like having to deal with an utility-related emergency right in the middle of the festivities, and a clogged sink or toilet is one of the worst.

But making sure your drains don’t clog up during your holiday events can be as simple as a little bit of maintenance.

Your Brooklyn plumbers at Petri Plumbing & Heating want to offer some simple tricks to keep your plumbing draining smoothly so your celebrations don’t have to end early:

1. Don’t Pour Grease Down the Sink

Instead, pour the grease into an old container, let it cool and then throw it in the trash. Some might even like to save the grease in a heat-resistant cup to use for other recipes, like gravy.

2. Throw Coffee Grinds Away or Add Them to the Mulch Pile

Coffee grinds can build up in the drains and catch other larger objects, preventing them from going down and clogging up the pipes. Even if you have a garbage disposal, coffee grinds should be thrown away instead.

3. Run Baking Soda and Vinegar Down the Drains on Occasion

Try putting a little baking soda and vinegar down the sink, letting it bubble and then sit for 15 minutes. After that, rinse the mixture down thoroughly with hot water. This old trick helps loosen debris that may be stuck in the pipes without using harsh chemicals or having to call in a professional for drain cleaning.

4. Don’t Overfill Your Toilet

Don’t flush anything down the toilet that was not intended to be flushed and never overfill the bowl with toilet paper. Flush frequently if necessary. If you do find yourself with a clogged toilet, give us a call at Petri Plumbing & Heating!

5. Use Stoppers or Filters to Catch Hair & Other Debris

Clean them out in the trash once they are filled instead of washing it down the sink.

6. Evaluate Your Yard for Any Tree Roots that Might Break into Underground Pipes

If you think a tree’s roots might start encroaching on the drainage system, consider moving the tree or consulting a professional about keeping roots from growing into the system.

7. Have Your Pipes Professionally Cleared

If your sinks are already draining slowly, it may be too late for preventative measures and you need the pipe cleared by a professional plumber.

Help from Brooklyn’s Expert Plumbers

If you follow these rules, you should be able to celebrate the holidays with your friends and family without having to stop and clean up what could become a big mess. Call your Brooklyn plumbing experts at Petri Plumbing & Heating at (718) 748-1254 to discuss our drain-clearing services or to consult about any of your plumbing needs!