Avoid Holiday Drain Emergency Disasters: What Not to Put Down Your Drain This Season

Ahhhh, the holidays. They’re a time for family, food, and fun. But for your plumbing, they can also be the busiest time of year! 

Between Thanksgiving feasts and Christmas dinners, your kitchen and bathroom drains see a lot more action than usual. With all that extra cooking and cleaning, clogged pipes, and unexpected backups can run rampant.

So, before you find yourself with a drain emergency this holiday season, let’s take a few minutes to learn what not to put down your drains. This will help you keep things flowing smoothly and avoid plumbing disasters all season long.

(Psst— we’re running a special on sewer and drain cleaning through November 30, 2025!)

What Not to Put Down the Drain

Let’s jump right into it. Because the fact of the matter is, while many homeowners will put just about anything down their drains, that’s not really what they’re for! So, let’s talk about it.

Fats, Oils, and Grease

After cooking, it’s tempting to rinse leftover grease down the sink. But as that grease cools, it also solidifies inside your pipes. Gross. This creates stubborn clogs and big problems. Instead, pour the grease into a disposable container, like a coffee canister, and throw it in the trash once it hardens.

Starchy Foods

Mashed potatoes, pasta, and rice might seem harmless to your drain. But what if we told you they can swell when wet and easily stick to the inside of pipes? Instead, try to scrape leftovers into the trash or compost before washing your dishes.

Fibrous Foods

Celery strings, pumpkin pulp, onion skins, and corn husks, oh my! These fibrous foods are good for your health, but can wrap around disposal blades and cause jams. Toss them into the trash instead—your drain will thank you!

Bones and Fruit Pits

Your garbage disposal may have blades, but they’re not built to handle items this hard. So don’t even try! Bones and fruit pits can easily break the blades or motor of your disposal, leading to costly repairs.

Coffee Grounds and Eggshells

Maybe you’ve heard the old myth that coffee grounds “clean” pipes and eggshells “sharpen” disposal blades. The truth is that both can actually cause clogs when combined with grease or soap scum—so skip the advice from these old wives' tales and toss both in the garbage or compost instead.

Wipes and Paper Towels

We know, the packaging says they’re “flushable” wipes. Nonetheless, these wipes aren’t built to dissolve like toilet paper. Using them can lead to sewer backups. So if you must use them, be sure to keep a small trash bin in the bathroom for these items to be tossed into when you’ve finished.

Smart Tips to Keep Drains Clear from a Drain Emergency

Almost all of these are mentioned above or in other blogs. But just to make sure you have a clear and concise list, here are some smart tips to help you keep your drains clear this holiday season:

• Scrape food scraps into the trash or compost before rinsing dishes.

• Use sink strainers to catch debris and empty them regularly.

• Run cool water before and after using your garbage disposal to help flush out food particles.

• Feed the disposal small amounts at a time—don’t overload it.

• Run your dishwasher and laundry at different times to avoid overloading your plumbing system.

A little prevention goes a long way in keeping your home stress-free for the holidays.

When to Call a Professional

Sometimes it can’t be helped. If you notice slow drains, gurgling sounds, or unpleasant odors, you might already have a partial blockage or drain emergency. You can try a DIY approach or reach out to a professional plumber. Also, keep in mind that even if things are flowing smoothly, it’s always okay to connect and schedule a professional drain cleaning. Preventive maintenance is one of the best ways to prevent plumbing emergencies, especially during holiday gatherings.

Now through November 30, 2025, we’re offering a sewer and drain cleaning special—just in time for the holiday season. It’s the perfect way to make sure your home’s plumbing is ready for all the extra holiday use.

Final Thoughts

Holiday memories should be filled with laughter, not plumbing problems. By keeping fats, starches, and other clog-causing items out of your drains, you can avoid costly backups and keep your home running smoothly.

If you want extra peace of mind before your holiday guests arrive, take advantage of our drain and sewer cleaning special through November 30, 2025. Call today to schedule your service and enjoy a worry-free holiday season!