The holidays are a time for fam, friends, and jollies. But with all the extra guests and cooking, your plumbing can take a lekker beating.
Here at Richmond Plumbing, we want you to enjoy the holidays without any plumbing nightmares. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to help you survive the season with your sanity – and your pipes – intact.
Don’t Overload Your Garbage Disposal
Your garbage disposal is not a magic portal to another dimension. Avoid putting these down the drain:
- Fats, Oils, and Grease: These solidify in your pipes and cause clogs.
- Certain fruits and vegetables: Sush as pumpkins, banana skins, pineapple leaves, asparagus, artichokes.
- Chemicals: Never put any chemicals down the disposal, including bleach, drain cleaner, or oven cleaner.
- Odd and ends: Do not put the following in the waste disposal unit. Plastic items, medicines, metal (such as bottle tops), large bones such as cow bones.
Helpful Tip:
- Run cold water: Always run cold water while using the disposal to help grind food scraps and flush them down the drain.
Be Mindful of What You Flush
Only flush the three P’s: pee, poo, and (toilet) paper. Avoid flushing:
- “Flushable” wipes: These often don’t break down and can cause major blockages.
- Feminine hygiene products: These can expand and clog pipes.
- Paper towels: They’re thicker than toilet paper and don’t disintegrate as easily.
Prevent Hair Clogs
Hair is a plumber’s worst enemy. Place strainers over your shower and bathroom sink drains to catch hair and prevent clogs.
Don’t Pour Hot Cooking Oil Down the Drain
We said it before, and we’ll say it again: Never pour hot cooking oil down the drain! It can solidify and cause major blockages.
Tip: Let the oil cool and solidify, then dispose of it in the trash.
Know Where Your Water Main Shut-Off Valve Is
In case of a plumbing emergency, knowing where your water main shut-off valve is can save you from a flooded home.
From all of us at Richmond Plumbing, we wish you happy and plumbing-problem-free holidays!
