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'Brown Friday': Plumbers report an uptick in service calls the day after Thanksgiving

Jennifer Borresen   Paste BN

It's not called "Brown Friday" for the reasons you might think.

The day after Thanksgiving is actually the busiest day of the year for plumbers because of the surge in calls related to clogged drains and broken garbage disposals in kitchens. Interestingly, it’s not primarily about clogged toilets, which the name might imply.

A typical Thanksgiving dinner, which includes grease, potato skins and turkey drippings, puts more strain on your kitchen sink than usual meal, which can easily clog your sink. Mr. Rooter, a network of independently owned and operated plumbing companies, offers three examples of foods that can wreak havoc on your home's plumbing.

Why it’s best to throw away turkey, mashed potatoes and skins in the garbage

The combination of these foods and the added strain on your plumbing system because of the influx of house guests can lead to backups, clogs, and other issues that need immediate attention.

America's 20 most clogged-up cities

Yelp data shows that searches during 2023's Brown Friday for “emergency plumbing” surged by 65% compared to the two weeks before and after Thanksgiving. On Thanksgiving Day, searches for “24-hour plumbers” were higher than any other day in November 2023.

Home preparation tips to avoid plumbing emergencies

There are several ways to prepare your home to prevent plumbing issues during the busy holiday season.

What can go into garbage disposal?

When using a garbage disposal, always ensure that it is clear of any utensils or other objects. Turn on cold water for 20 to 30 seconds before grinding food waste. There are limits to what a standard garbage disposal can handle. Below is a list of foods that you can safely grind in the garbage disposal:

  • Liquids and soft foods
  • Chopped foods. If solid foods need to be disposed of, chop them into small pieces before placing them into the disposal.
  • Ice cubes. Ice cubes can help clean and sharpen disposal blades

Do not grind:

  • Fats, oils, grease
  • Fibrous foods (celery, broccoli, potato peelings, lettuce, onion skins)
  • Uncooked pasta and rice
  • Coffee grounds
  • Bones
  • Eggshells
  • Fruit pits

Source: Paste BN Network reporting and research; Yelp; Mr. Rooter

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