Overview
- Service providers in Maryland and New Mexico expect one of the year's busiest days for plumbing calls the day after Thanksgiving.
- Fats, oils, and grease harden in pipes while starchy or fibrous foods such as potato peels, rice, pasta, pumpkin pulp, and coffee grounds contribute to blockages.
- Garbage disposals are intended for small plate scraps rather than leftovers or bones, which drive many post‑holiday drain cleanings.
- Households are urged to scrape plates, keep grease out of sinks, run cold water, and feed small amounts into disposals to reduce backups.
- Plumbers caution that only toilet paper should be flushed because wet wipes and paper towels do not break down and can cause clogs, and some firms also recommend adding drain enzymes as a preventive measure.