Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, indulging in delicious feasts, and creating wonderful memories. But amidst all the cooking and hosting, one thing homeowners tend to overlook is the strain Thanksgiving meals can put on their plumbing. Clogged drains are a common post-holiday headache, but they’re entirely avoidable if you know what not to put down your drains.

Here’s a quick guide to protecting your pipes and keeping your drains flowing freely this holiday season.

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Why Are Thanksgiving Clogs So Common?

Thanksgiving is a plumber’s busiest time of the year, and it’s no surprise why. With a house full of guests and a kitchen in overdrive, your plumbing system works harder than usual. Combine that with the many food scraps and grease from a hearty meal, and you have a recipe for clogged drains and sewer backups.

The good news? Most Thanksgiving plumbing issues can be avoided with a little extra awareness and care.

6 Things You Should Never Put Down Your Drains on Thanksgiving

1. Grease, Fats, and Oils

That leftover turkey grease or cooking oil from frying shouldn’t make its way down your drain. When grease cools, it solidifies and sticks to the insides of your pipes, creating blockages over time. Instead, pour grease into a heat-safe container, wait for it to harden, and then throw it in the trash.

2. Potato Peels

Mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, but peeling those spuds can lead to serious plumbing trouble. Potato peels are starchy and sticky, which makes them clump together and create clogs in your drains. Toss those peels in the compost bin or trash instead.

3. Pasta and Rice

Speaking of starches, leftover pasta and rice can be a major culprit for clogged drains. Both expand when exposed to water, even after cooking, increasing the chance of blockage in your plumbing system. Make sure to scrape all leftovers into the garbage before rinsing your dinnerware.

4. Eggshells

While it’s a common myth that eggshells sharpen garbage disposal blades, the reality is they can do more harm than good. The shells’ gritty membrane can build up in your pipes, combining with other materials to form blockages. Dispose of eggshells in your compost or trash bin instead.

5. Fibrous Foods

Celery, pumpkin pulp, corn husks, and other stringy or fibrous foods can wreak havoc on your drains and garbage disposal. These tough materials can tangle and wrap around your unit’s blades, leading to a clogged or broken garbage disposal. It’s better to compost or trash these items.

6. Coffee Grounds

Morning coffee is essential for many on Thanksgiving morning, but coffee grounds pose a problem for your drains. They don’t break down in water and can clump together to form blockages. Toss used coffee grounds in the trash or add them to your compost instead.

What to Do If Your Drains Get Clogged 

Despite your best efforts, clogs can still happen. Here’s how to handle them:

1. Don’t Use Chemical Drain Cleaners: While they may seem like a quick fix, these chemicals can damage your pipes over time. Opt for a plunger or a plumbing snake instead.
2. Use Boiling Water: For minor clogs, pouring boiling water down the drain can sometimes help dissolve grease and minor blockages.
3. Call a Professional Plumber: If your efforts don’t work, don’t hesitate to call a professional. Waiting too long can lead to even more damage, such as a sewer backup.

Pro Tips to Keep Your Thanksgiving Plumbing Hassle-Free

• Use Sink Strainers: Sink strainers catch food scraps before they go down your drain, minimizing the risk of clogs.
• Run Cold Water When Using the Disposal: Cold water helps grease stay solid, which makes it easier for your garbage disposal to grind it up. But remember—not all food scraps belong in the disposal!
• Educate Your Guests: Politely request that everyone scrape their plates into the trash before rinsing, or set up an easy-to-access food waste bin near the sink.

Protect Your Drains This Thanksgiving

Your Thanksgiving should be spent enjoying time with family and friends—not unclogging drains or waiting for the plumber to arrive. By keeping grease, food scraps, and other clog-causing materials out of your pipes, you can save yourself the hassle (and expense) of post-holiday plumbing issues.

For more tips on avoiding plumbing problems and keeping your drains healthy year-round, follow our blog. We’re here to help you keep things flowing smoothly, one flush at a time!