While you’re busy getting the house ready for Thanksgiving and deciding what foods to prepare for the upcoming feast, you may not realize that this is an extremely busy time for someone else too – plumbers. The Thanksgiving season is actually one of the busiest times of the year for plumbing professionals simply because so many clogs occur as the result of drain, toilet and garbage disposal misuse. During holidays and celebrations that are centered around food, the number of plumbing emergencies always increases by a significant amount.

Fortunately for you, you don’t need to be a plumber to know how to prevent clogged drains and sewer lines in the first place. This year, do yourself a huge favor, and follow these simple tips for preventing clogs.

Properly Dispose of Food and Grease

Even if you have a garbage disposal, there are certain things that should NEVER go down your drains, including fats, grease, gravy, cooking oils and sauces. Instead, pour such foods into heat-resistant containers and dispose of in the trash.

To keep food and other materials out of your drains, install drain guards, and clean them out regularly.

Dispose Paper Products Properly

There are only two things that should ever get flushed down your toilet: human waste and toilet paper. Paper towel, diapers and wipes should never be flushed. These products do not deteriorate easily, and they can easily cause clogs in the main sewer line, especially when you are entertaining and your plumbing system is working harder than usual.

Replace Aging Pipes

Old clay and metal sewer lines are prone to collapse and tree root infiltration. Consider replacing them with modern PVC or plastic pipes to greatly reduce your risk of such problems. With most sewer lines in the US being 30+ years old, many are due to fail at any time. If you’re unsure of the condition of your sewer pipes, a video sewer line inspection will let you know if it’s time to replace them.

Install a Backwater Prevention Valve

A backwater prevention valve is a good way to avoid a nasty mess in your basement. When installed in the sewer line in your basement, these valves prevent sewer backups by allowing sewage to flow out but blocking it from flowing back in.

Keep Your Drains Clean

Every so often, thoroughly rinse your drains using hot water mixed with baking soda and vinegar. Hot water liquefies grease, allowing it to pass through your home’s plumbing system, while the combination of baking soda and vinegar causes a chemical reaction that can break down stuck on food and debris. Unlike dangerous chemical drain cleaners, hot water, vinegar and baking soda are completely safe and natural.

Drain Cleaning in Hagerstown

Despite your best efforts, sometimes clogs happen. The next time you find yourself in need of drain cleaning in Hagerstown, trust Larry & Sons. For fast, reliable services, call 888-588-5923 or schedule a service online now.