Thanksgiving is almost here, and homeowners in Seattle, Washington, are excited to celebrate with their family and friends. Even if you aren't hosting the annual Thanksgiving gathering at your home this year, becoming familiar with a few of the most frequently occurring Thanksgiving plumbing issues can be a vital aspect of avoiding unforeseen accidents on Thanksgiving day.
Damaged Garbage Disposal
The garbage disposal will be working diligently before and during Thanksgiving, as all components of your spread are being prepared. But as the appliance is used constantly, it will become especially sensitive to developing problems if you don't take the right precautions. Problems often transpire when too much food or waste goes into the disposal or when the appliance cannot break down certain foods.
There are numerous Thanksgiving foods that can do a number on a garbage disposal, including potato peelings, cooking oils, and celery. Even if you aren't the one cooking this year, going over the following list of foods you shouldn't put down at the garbage disposal will give you the chance to let everyone know what to avoid tossing in the sink.
- Cooking oils including extra-virgin olive oil, peanut oil, soybean oil, sesame oil, etc.
- Celery
- Asparagus
- Bread, pasta, and rice
- Cherry pits
- Corn husks
- Onion peels
- Potato peels
- Coffee grounds
- Turkey bones
- Eggshells
Along with not putting these foods in the sink or disposing of them in your garbage disposal, refrain from putting too much food into the disposal at one time, as doing so can overload the machine and cause it to jam. If you find yourself having to get rid of a lot of food scraps at the end of the meal, split them up into smaller bundles and put them in your disposal one by one, or dispose of them manually in the trash.
Worn Appliances
For many families, a Thanksgiving gathering includes many members of the family, which ultimately results in a larger number of people using the plumbing appliances in a home. Though there is no way to prevent this, you can help avoid accidents by helping everyone, particularly the kids, learn what can't be flushed and shouldn't be thrown down the garbage disposal.
