Stuffed Disposals Can’t Gobble Thanksgiving Leftovers

WACO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Greasy gravy might taste great on grandma’s mashed potatoes, but it can be bad when poured down the kitchen sink.

“On top of that, many people don’t realize how much food they are stuffing into their garbage disposals until it’s too late.”

When preparing and cleaning up the Thanksgiving feast, cooks should not put grease, potato peels and turkey bones down the garbage disposal. Disregarding this advice can lead to clogged drains.

“It’s important to know what should and should not be put down the drain before the Thanksgiving frenzy,” said Mary Kennedy Thompson, president of Mr. Rooter Corporation. “On top of that, many people don’t realize how much food they are stuffing into their garbage disposals until it’s too late.”

Year in and year out, plumbers spend the holiday season unclogging stuffing-stuffed drains. Just like retailers, the day after Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days of the year for Mr. Rooter® plumbers.

But preventing kitchen sink back-ups is as easy as pie if you follow the advice of Mr. Rooter Plumbing technicians:

• Don’t put turkey bones, skin and potato and onion peels down the disposal
• Instead, throw scraps in the trash or compost pile
• Wipe greasy pans and plates with a paper towel before washing
• Avoid pouring grease down the drain
• Don't overload the garbage disposal.

“When a house full of family and friends try to put their leftovers down the drain, it’s a possibility your pipes may clog,” Thompson said. “Disposals aren’t designed to replace the trash bag.”

When it comes to properly using the garbage disposal, turn the water on first. Then, turn on the disposal, and feed the waste gradually. Leave the water on for a short period of time after the disposal is turned off.

If the garbage disposal stops abruptly while in use, turn the garbage disposal power off, and press the re-set button under the sink (if available). Avoid operating the dishwasher if there’s a problem; it discharges into the disposal. If the kitchen sink is backing up, call a qualified plumber.