Holiday Plumbing Survival Guide: Your "other" Thanksgiving Preparation Checklist - November Monthly Newsletter

November 20, 2020

Kitchen Plumbing

If you have a garbage disposal, it is going to be earning its keep over the busy Thanksgiving holiday weekend. But remember, easy does it. If it’s something you don’t use all the time, please keep in mind there is a certain way to use it and a certain way not to use it.

Do: turn on the disposal and water, place your items, and let cold water run for another 15 seconds to ensure all the food particles are thoroughly flushed through the main line.

Do not: try to push too much down at one time or place food before turning it on. This can cause food and debris to get caught in the drain, clog your pipes, and even cause permanent damage.

DIY Garbage Disposal Repair:

If you find yourself in a literal jam, with too much food pushed down your garbage disposal, there are a couple of ways you can clear it up yourself. You can force the turntable around from above or turn the motor with a hex-key wrench inserted into the motor shaft from below. If neither of these solutions works, give Whitton Plumbing a call for any issues with garbage disposal repairs or replacement.

Bathroom Plumbing

If you are hosting overnight guests this Thanksgiving weekend, your bathroom will probably have the most potential for plumbing problems to arise. We’d love to help you get a step ahead of them with a few easy reminders. 

Prevent Blockages

Prevention is key when it comes to keeping your shower and bathtub drains clear and flowing freely. The most simple solution to staying clog-free is by using a properly fitted screen over your drains. A screen will keep hair from collecting in your drains. It will also prevent all the other things--bars of soap, toys, socks, you name it-- from getting stuffed down the drain. 

Avert Overflows

Don’t be fooled by “flushable” wipes, because they are, in fact, not flushable. More importantly, these disposable wipes are actually the cause of many plumbing problems including clogged toilets. Please remember that wipes and feminine hygiene products should be thrown in the trash, not flushed. 

Keep Away from Chemicals

In the event of a slow drain or a clog, do not be tempted to use a chemical drain cleaner. They may actually do more harm than good without even clearing your drain. Instead, use a plunger or a natural drain cleaner, like baking soda and vinegar. If those don’t work, call Whitton Plumbing. 

Sump Pump Maintenance

Yes! Even in Arizona we have sump pumps. A sump pump is one of those home mechanical systems that tend to be forgotten about until it doesn’t work. Its job is to keep your basement or crawl space dry and prevent flooding. Pretty important. So while you’re getting your home ready for holiday guests, don’t forget to check on your sump pump. Really, this just means checking the area around it to ensure there is no residue around it and that the surrounding area around your sump pump is clean.

Schedule a Plumbing Maintenance Check

If it’s been a while since you’ve had your home plumbing services inspected, it’s time to schedule a maintenance check with Whitton Plumbing. We have years of experience taking care of Arizona’s home plumbing systems and will be right there to assist you.

Our professional team of certified plumbing technicians will not only get to the bottom of the problem (and drain), but we love sharing helpful tips and tricks to preserve your plumbing. Give us a call at (480) 291-1111 or contact us at www.whittonplumbing.com.