The 4th of July is a time for celebration and cookouts with family and friends. However, if you're not careful, the foods you cook at your BBQ party can end up causing some serious damage to your drains. In this blog post, Precision Plumbing, Heating & Air will discuss some of the most common culprits when it comes to clogged drains and offer tips on how to avoid them.
Keep these foods away from your drains this Independence Day, and enjoy the holiday without any plumbing headaches!
Meat Bones
Cooking meat on the bone adds flavor, but those bones can wreak havoc on your plumbing. Once they've been cooked, meat bones become brittle and can easily break into small pieces. These small pieces can then get stuck in your pipes and cause a blockage. So instead of throwing meat bones down your garbage disposal, dispose of them in a sealed bag in the garbage.
Starchy Foods
Foods like corn on the cob, potatoes, and green beans are staples of any summer barbecue. But while they may be delicious, these starchy vegetables can cause problems for your drains. When these foods are cooked, they release starch into the water, turning into a glue-like substance. This substance can cling to your pipes and form a blockage.
Stringy Vegetables
Stringy vegetables like celery, onions, and leeks are another common item on the 4th of July BBQ menu. But while they may add flavor to your food, they can also add problems to your plumbing. These vegetables release long strands of cellulose that can wrap around your pipes and cause a clog. Make sure you dispose of any leftovers in the trash can before you start rinsing the plates off in the sink!
Oil and Grease
Cooking with oil and grease is a common practice, but it can cause problems for your drains. When oil and grease are heated, they become liquid. But as they cool, they solidify and cling to your pipes. This can eventually lead to a blockage. So instead of pouring hot oil and grease down the drain, let it cool in a sealed container and then dispose of it in the trash.
Pasta
Pasta salad is another popular dish at 4th of July parties. But like starchy vegetables, it can cause problems for your drains. When pasta is cooked, it releases starch into the water which can then turn into a glue-like substance. This substance can cling to your pipes and form a blockage. Throw any leftover pasta salad in some tupperware, or toss it in the trash can.
By following these simple tips, you can avoid costly plumbing problems and enjoy a safe and delicious 4th of July BBQ. However, if you do end up having any drain problems the day after, give us a call at (803) 310-6262 to schedule a professional drain cleaning.