The day after Thanksgiving, dubbed “Black Friday,” is known as one of the busiest shopping days of the year, but plumbers might have a different name for it — “Brown Friday.”
That’s usually the busiest day of the year for plumbing repair and sewer and drain cleaning services in the U.S., according to Roto-Rooter.
Meal preparation and kitchen cleanup associated with the holiday wreaks havoc on sinks and disposals, while post-meal waste loads up toilets and sewers, creating lots of work for plumbers.
Many Thanksgiving hosts also have overnight guests who take showers, baths, flush toilets and might even do a laundry load or two.
“This extra strain on the plumbing system is like the proverbial last straw that breaks a camel’s back,” adds the sewer and drain cleaning service.
As a prevention against these problems, Roto Rooter warns against pouring grease, turkey drippings or cooking oil down drains. They also advise against putting potato peels, poultry skins, bones, rice or pasta down the garbage disposal.
On the flipside, plumbers suggest putting a plunger in guests bathrooms to save guests the embarrassment of asking for one, and spreading out showers and laundry loads, to lessen plumbing strain and potential overloads.