Missouri’s comfortable summer temperatures make this season a perfect time to enjoy outdoor gatherings like barbecues with your favorite people. Unfortunately, the greasy and bulky foods that are served at these get-togethers often lead to problems with kitchen drains and garbage disposals. Knowing how to prevent these problems can make a significant difference for your plumbing system and home.
What Can Cause a Clogged Sink or Garbage Disposal?
Your garbage disposal can handle small chunks of fruits, peeled vegetables, and very small fish bones, but that’s about it. Your kitchen drain should see even less, liquids only and tiny food particles that might be on your hands while you’re washing them. Anything else can cause problems in these two kitchen components, leading to clogs developing, odors, insect infestations, and other issues.
Can a Plumber Help You Prevent a Clogged Sink?
Homeowners play a crucial role in preventing a clogged sink, but our plumbers can certainly help. We recommend annual drain cleanings, which blast away existing buildup on the interior of the pipes and any clogs in the process of forming. Yearly plumbing inspections are also important, as they allow us to pinpoint potential issues, such as clogs or leaks, that need immediate addressing.
Is Fixing a Clogged Sink or Garbage Disposal a DIY Project?
We don’t suggest trying to fix a clogged sink or garbage disposal yourself, especially the latter, as it could result in significant injuries. Trying to do either can often worsen the problem, such as causing damage to the pipes or growing the clog. Our plumbers are available for standard appointments and emergency services, where we can remove the clog and assess the pipes for any potential issues.
How to Prevent a Clogged Sink or Garbage Disposal on Party Days
Proactive measures are key for preventing a clogged sink or garbage disposal on party days. There are several steps you (and your guests!) can take.
Set Up Garbage Cans and Recycling Bins Outdoors
Putting garbage cans outside is important. It prevents guests from coming inside to throw out the trash, where they may be inspired to rinse off their plates in your sink. An easily accessible trash can makes it easy for them to throw in chicken wing bones, vegetable scraps, and other items you don’t want in your sink. And putting out a recycling bin makes cleaning up cans and bottles much easier.
Check on the Garbage Cans
Guests are unlikely to throw their trash into garbage cans if they’re already filled. Keep checking on them and empty them as needed.
Use Disposable Dishware
This simplifies the cleanup process. Guests can toss disposable plates and garbage right into the trash can instead of scraping reusable plates off and putting them to the side. It also eliminates the dishwashing step, allowing you to relax after the gathering instead of spending time handwashing all the dishes or loading them into the dishwasher. Consider using compostable paper plates, which are better for the environment.
Put in New Drain Strainers
Chances are some food waste will end up in your sink, whether it’s due to rinsing or washing the plates or guests washing their hands. Prepare your sink by installing new drain strainers. They’ll catch the small food particles before they have a chance to go down the drain.
Precut the Foods
Precutting and portioning foods before the party typically means fewer food scraps to deal with later and helps you dispose of them properly. It can also prevent guests from trying to help and putting troublesome items, such as watermelon rinds, in your garbage disposal.
Set Up a Dirty Plate Depository
If you’re using reusable dishware, set up a large basin as a dirty plate depository, so guests won’t be inclined to wash off their own plates. The best place to put it is on a table outside next to the garbage and recycling cans. Guests can scrape the garbage in the trash bin and put their plates right into the basin. When it’s full, bring it inside and replace it with a new one.
Use Paper Towels to Remove Grease From Plates
Grease is one of the worst items that can go down a garbage disposal or kitchen drain. Before you wash dishes, use a paper towel to wipe off the grease, so you can throw it in the trash instead of letting it become a risk to your plumbing.
Let Grease Harden in Pans
If you’re doing some of the cooking inside, don’t automatically try to wash the dishes right after whipping up greasy dishes. Let the grease sit in the pans to cool and harden, making it easy to throw away rather than letting it go down the drain in its soft state.
Schedule Hydro Jetting
Hydro jetting is a fantastic way to clear out existing clogs and much of the buildup on the interior walls of your plumbing pipes. Bugs and other pests are attracted to food remnants, so removing them from your drains reduces the risk of infestations. The service can also speed up how fast water drains, prevent unpleasant odors, and increase the lifespan of your plumbing pipes. You’ll also have peace of mind about your plumbing system staying in good condition during the busy summer entertaining season.
Run Cool Water
Run cool water after you’ve finished rinsing off or washing the plates. This won’t completely clear out any grease or food scraps that accidentally made their way down the drain, but it can help eliminate some of these items, acting as a small step to prevent clogs and unpleasant-smelling buildup.
Cook on the Outdoor Grill
Grilling outdoors is one of the best aspects of summer gatherings. Take full advantage of it by cooking outdoors on the grill as much as possible rather than cooking inside. It can eliminate a lot of indoor cleanup and greasy pots and pans.
Cook in Disposable Foil Pans
Speaking of greasy pots and pans, disposable foil pans are excellent tools for preventing clogs in your kitchen sink and garbage disposal. Rather than worrying about tossing hardened grease in the trash or rinsing off a layer of it from pots, you can toss the entire disposable foil pan right in the trash.
Pre-Party Kitchen Prep Checklist
Our convenient pre-party kitchen prep checklist can help prevent kitchen drain and garbage disposal clogs.
- Put garbage cans and recycling bins outside.
- Turn off your garbage disposal.
- Prep fruits and vegetables ahead of time.
- Put out disposable dishware.
- Put paper towels next to the sink.
- Set up a dirty plate bin.
- Put in new drain strainers.
Don’t let kitchen plumbing issues put a damper on fun summer gatherings. Reed’s Plumbing & Excavating in Springfield, MO has performed drain cleanings, inspections, and many other plumbing services since 1972. Call or message our locally owned company today to schedule an appointment and keep your drains and plumbing in top shape.
Today!