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Don’t Put Those BBQ Scraps Down the Disposal!

No one wants to deal with plumbing and wastewater emergencies, especially during the holidays. Hopefully you didn’t experience any problems on the 4th, but now that the festivities are over, what are you going to do with all that leftover barbecue? Cleaning up the kitchen and refrigerator can do a number on your plumbing, so remember these things when it’s time to dispose of the holiday remnants.

Don’t Use the Garbage Disposal – Leftover food goes in the trash, not down your drain. The garbage disposal may seem like a quick and easy way to make leftover burgers and hotdogs disappear, but they will reappear into a plumbing disaster. The truth is, the garbage disposal does not break down food particles, and they end up clogging your drains.

Don’t Wash FOG Down Drains – Just like food, FOG (fats, oils and grease) should be collected and tossed in the trash. As FOG cools, it hardens and sticks to your drain lines like glue. Eventually, water flow is blocked and you’re stuck with a big mess.

Use a Strainer – This is a simple one. As you’re cleaning dishes, place a strainer over the drain to prevent food and trash from going down the drain. The more solids you can stop from entering your drain lines, the better your septic system will perform.

Don’t Use Chemicals – Perhaps you have tried Drano, Liquid Plumr or a similar product to clear your drains. Unfortunately, these can make things worse by eating away at your pipes. Also, if you apply these incorrectly, they can harden and clog your drains even worse. Try a natural solution like baking soda and vinegar to break up stubborn clogs.

Practice Preventative Maintenance – In addition to the above, make sure you are actively engaged in a preventative maintenance program that includes pumping your septic tank. Depending on your household habits and water use, you should pump your tank every 1-2 years. Other preventative measures like installing a septic filter, applying bacterial additives, and utilizing professional drain cleaning services can also ensure a trouble-free holiday season…well, at least when it comes to your wastewater facilities. We can’t do much about Uncle Joe’s mid-life crisis, but at least your family can use the kitchen and bathrooms without issues.

To learn more about drain and septic care, Contact Wind River Environmental.

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