Prevent plumbing problems before they become costly holiday claims

If you guessed D, all of the above...you're right! None of those items should be put down your garbage disposal.

Of all the guests you expect to welcome during the holidays, your plumber probably isn’t one of them. Yet every year, holiday hosting increases the risk of plumbing mishaps like garbage disposal backups. In fact, the day after Thanksgiving is the busiest day of the year for plumbers, with service calls jumping 50% compared to a typical Friday, according to Roto-Rooter. 

When you’re cooking more than usual, experimenting with new recipes, and hosting extra guests who are showering and using toilets, small plumbing issues can quickly escalate into big problems. A clogged drain or broken disposal doesn’t just ruin the holiday mood; it can lead to expensive repairs and even water damage claims. 

That’s why PEMCO encourages homeowners to take a prevention-first approach. A little preparation now can save you from costly headaches later. 

Schedule a pre-holiday plumbing check 

If you suspect your pipes or disposal might be struggling, schedule a pre-emptive appointment with your plumber. Ensuring your sinks, toilets, and showers are ready for extra use is one of the simplest ways to prevent emergencies and avoid the kind of damage that could trigger an insurance claim. 

Foods that can cause costly clogs 

“Virtually every traditional Thanksgiving dish is a drain-clogging culprit,” says Roto-Rooter. To protect your plumbing system and avoid repair bills, keep these items out of your garbage disposal: 

• Heavy starches: Potato skins, stuffing, flour, rice, and pasta can thicken and harden in pipes. 

• Fibrous foods: Celery, corn husks, asparagus, and stringy vegetables can tangle blades and dull them. 

• Fats and cooking oils: Grease, butter, and pan drippings solidify inside pipes, creating blockages. 

• Meat scraps and poultry skin: Gristly or raw meat is tough to grind and can jam disposals. 

• Eggshells: Fine particles build up in traps, forming clog-prone layers. 

• Fruit pits and bones: Hard items can bend or break disposal blades. 

Smart disposal habits that prevent problems 

• Run cold water generously: Cold water keeps scraps brittle and less sticky, reducing buildup. 

• Remove items safely: Always unplug the disposal before retrieving dropped utensils. Use tongs, not fingers. 

• Limit disposal use: Think of it as a helper for small scraps, not a trash can. Compost or trash larger amounts. 

Keep odors and residue at bay 

A clean disposal is less likely to clog. Every two weeks, follow this eco-friendly routine: 

• Run the disposal with cold water to clear food particles. 

• Scrub the splash guard with dish soap and baking soda. 

• Grind ice cubes for scouring action. 

• Use a baking soda and vinegar flush to dissolve buildup. 

• Finish with citrus peels for a fresh scent. 

Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals, which can damage your disposal and splash onto food-prep surfaces. 

Prevention protects more than pipes 

Plumbing problems don’t just disrupt your holiday; they can lead to water damage, appliance breakdowns, and costly insurance claims. Prevention is the best protection. 

For added peace of mind, PEMCO has partnered with Cinch to offer home warranty coverage. It’s a smart way to safeguard against unexpected repair bills, so you can focus on enjoying your guests instead of worrying about your appliances. PEMCO members even get their first month free. You 

Peace of mind to focus on what matters 

Holiday hosting should be about joy, not emergency repairs. By practicing smart disposal habits, scheduling preventive maintenance, and considering warranty protection, you can keep your home running smoothly—and avoid the kind of costly claims that no one wants to deal with during the holidays.