How a Professional Plumber Avoids Thanksgiving Plumbing Disasters (So You Can Too)

Hi, I’m Joe. Before anything else, I hope you and your family have an incredible Thanksgiving this year. It’s one of my favorite holidays — good food, good company, and hopefully zero plumbing emergencies.

But here’s the truth: Thanksgiving is the busiest week of the year for plumbers. I see the same preventable disasters over and over. So instead of waiting for the panic call, I want to share how I avoid these issues in my own home — and how you can do the same.

1.Grease Never Goes Down My Drain

Turkey grease is the #1 reason pipes clog on Thanksgiving. It cools, hardens, and traps everything behind it.

What I do:

• Pour grease into a can or jar, let it solidify, and toss it.
• Wipe pans and plates with paper towels before washing.
• Use cold water, not hot, when rinsing fatty pans.

2.Potato Peels Never Touch My Disposal

Peels turn into a sticky, starchy sludge that clogs the drain instantly.

What I do:

• Peels go straight into the trash or compost.
• If someone insists on using the disposal, it’s tiny amounts with cold water only.

3.My Garbage Disposal Has Strict Rules

On Thanksgiving, people treat disposals like they’re indestructible. They’re not.

What I do:

• Keep bones, celery, onion skins, eggshells, pasta, and rice out of the disposal.
• Run cold water before, during, and after using it.
• When in doubt, I throw it out — not grind it up.

4.I Prep the Guest Bathroom Before Anyone Arrives

When the house is full, toilets get used hard. Slow drains and weak flushes always get exposed.

What I do:

• Clear slow drains before hosting.
• Keep a plunger visible so guests don’t panic.
• Make sure wipes, feminine products, and paper towels are nowhere near flushing territory.

5.I Manage Hot Water Like It’s a Resource (Because It Is)

Back-to-back showers, dishwashing, and laundry drain a tank fast.

What I do:

• Space out showers as best I can.
• Keep water heater temps under 120°F but high enough for comfort.
• Run the dishwasher after dinner, not during peak shower time.
• If a water heater is old or struggling, I address it before guests arrive.

A Quick Note From Me

This year we’ll be closed on Thanksgiving so our team can spend the day with our families — and hopefully squeeze in a little time for a much-needed hunting trip. We’ll see if the weather cooperates.

Either way, I’m wishing everyone in Greensboro and Winston-Salem a warm, safe, and stress-free holiday. Keep your drains clear, enjoy your family, and have a great Thanksgiving!