The almighty garbage disposal will be working extra hard this thanksgiving holiday grinding up scraps of food, leftovers, and everything in between. Although you may know the dos and don’ts of what could go down your drain, your helpful guests may not, and with all of the hustle and bustle of the holiday, it may be hard to keep track too.
Here are 3 helpful tips to keep your kitchen sinks from stoppages and your drains running smoothly this Thanksgiving holiday:
1) OILS, GREASE & FATS: Keep a tin can labeled “Oils, Grease & Fats” in plain sight near your stove for guests to see.
Although all that grease, fat and oil from cooking your delicious turkeys and hams is in liquid form hot out of the oven, once it cools down it solidifies to a thick mushy, and extra sticky substance. Pouring it down your drain means a heavy coat of grease will be clogging up your drain pipes like a clogged artery. By providing this option, guests will opt for emptying these wastes in the tin instead of down your drains. We also recommend wiping down your pots and pans with a paper towel as well before washing.
2) FOOD SCRAPS: Keep a lined trash can in plain sight by the kitchen sink.
Many customers keep their trash cans hidden in cabinets and under counters because let’s face it, trash cans aren’t the prettiest sight, but (hopefully) this will remind guests to dispose of food scraps before tossing their dishes in the sink. Food scraps like potatoes, potato peels, pasta, rice, fibrous foods, and bones can definitely cause some damage to your garbage disposals such as sticking blades, clogs, and complete jams. It’s best to toss ALL scraps in the trash during busy holidays when your drains are in overuse.
3) FOREIGN OBJECTS: Keep a dish and utensil bin nearby or in the sink.
We see it happen every year to numerous customers. With all the hustle and bustle, an occasional spoon or fork will slip right down the drain without notice. By keeping a dish bin nearby or in the sink, guests can place used dishes and utensils in the bins instead of in the sink, reducing your risk of jammed garbage disposal due to foreign objects.