At Patriot Solutions, we know the day after Thanksgiving is one of our busiest days of the year. While many are out shopping on Black Friday, we in the plumbing industry refer to it as “Brown Friday” due to the increase in plumbing calls and emergencies. Here’s a look at some of the common plumbing issues we see and how you can avoid them this holiday season.

Increased Kitchen Usage

One of the main reasons plumbers are in high demand on Brown Friday is due to the increased usage of kitchen appliances and plumbing fixtures. With all the cooking and cleaning that takes place on Thanksgiving, it is not uncommon for sinks, garbage disposals, and dishwashers to become clogged or malfunction. This can lead to overflowing sinks, foul odors, and even potential water damage. To avoid these issues, be mindful of what you are putting down your drains and avoid pouring grease or oil down the sink.

Garbage Disposal Mishaps

Another common plumbing issue on Brown Friday is garbage disposal mishaps. With all the food scraps and leftovers from Thanksgiving, it is easy for the garbage disposal to become overloaded and clogged. This can lead to a broken disposal or even a backed-up sink. To prevent this, be sure to run cold water while using the disposal and avoid putting large amounts of food down at once.

Bathroom Emergencies

The increased usage of bathrooms during Thanksgiving gatherings can also lead to plumbing emergencies on Brown Friday. With more people using the toilets and showers, there is a higher chance of clogs and backups. To avoid this, remind your guests not to flush anything other than toilet paper and to avoid putting large amounts of food or grease down the kitchen sink.

Frozen Pipes

For those in colder climates, Brown Friday can also bring the risk of frozen pipes. With the added stress of holiday cooking and guests, it is easy to forget to properly insulate pipes and leave them vulnerable to freezing temperatures. To prevent this, be sure to insulate any exposed pipes and keep the heat on in your home, even if you are away for the holiday.

Additional Plumbing Stresses

The hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving often leads to additional wear and tear on plumbing systems. Garbage disposals working overtime, a greater number of loads of dishes being washed, and more showers and laundry being run can overtax plumbing infrastructure. This leads to more leaks, clogs, and breakdowns on Brown Friday.

At Patriot Solutions, our team is ready to tackle any plumbing emergency that may arise on busy Brown Friday. As your local Chattanooga plumber, you can count on us 24/7. Take steps to prevent plumbing disasters this Thanksgiving and rely on Patriot Solutions if you need assistance!