The holiday season is a time for family and festivity in Orlando, Florida. It’s an opportunity to celebrate, spend time together, and maybe eat a bit too much. Unfortunately, those big family feasts can take a real toll on your plumbing system. A major plumbing emergency is the last thing you want to deal with at this time of the year. With that in mind, here are a few ways you can avoid clogged drains this holiday season.

Manage Your Waste

From food scraps to fats, oils, and grease, preparing a holiday feast can generate a ton of waste. It’s convenient to use a garbage disposal and rinse fats and oils down the drain, but it’s also forbidden. These substances are a leading cause of clogs in Central Florida homes. They can also cause huge problems throughout the entire sewer system. It’s better to play it safe by disposing of these materials in a container and placing them in the trash.

Use a Homemade Drain Clearing Solution

If you’ve noticed a drain that’s slow to clear or making odd noises, it’s time to be proactive. You can help break up minor clogs by mixing up a mild drain clearing solution at home. Simply pour a small amount of baking soda directly into the malfunctioning drain. Follow this up with about a cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture stand for about 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with hot water.

Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning

Benjamin Franklin once said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. He was undoubtedly right. One surefire way to avoid major drain issues is to keep your drains well-maintained. Scheduling regular drain cleaning clears away debris before it has a chance to build up. It can also help to identify and prevent a variety of other issues.

There’s no worse time for a plumbing emergency than during the holidays. Fortunately, the simple tips above can help you avoid a disaster and keep your plumbing running smoothly. To learn more about how to care for your drains, check out Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Orlando’s drain cleaning services or call (407) 584-1042.