Thanksgiving brings business for local plumbers

Thanksgiving is a time when many sit down to decadent meals, but it’s also the busiest time of the year for plumbers.

John Nagel, manager of Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Drain Services, said the main issues plumbers tend to on Thanksgiving are related to the kitchen sinks, main sewer lines and garbage disposals.

“The second we get done with one call, we’ll be on our way to the next,” said Nagel.

Vegetables, turkey skins, gravies and sauces are some of the items that cause fats, oils and grease to build up along the walls of pipes. On a night when more food than usual is getting flushed down the drain, problems can erupt.

“The food goes down and sticks to the grease, and kind of builds up and makes a sludge,” said Nagel.

He said the initial estimate is always free, but Nagel explained that repairs can cost upwards of $200.

Nagel cautions people to avoid using clog-clearing chemicals and gels as these can erode pipes and expose the kitchen to toxic chemicals.

“The main thing is as soon as you identify a problem or think something is wrong, give us a call so we can get out there as soon as possible. That way you can catch it before you have a really big problem and a massive backup,” he said.

Nagel said the easiest thing homeowners can do to avoid having to call a plumber is to throw all food scraps in the garbage, rather than flushing them down the drain.