The holidays are filled with family, food, and fun — but also some of the worst plumbing emergencies of the year. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, plumbers see a major spike in clogged drains and garbage disposal breakdowns.
At Mr. Rooter OC, we know most of these problems can be prevented with one simple rule: watch what goes down your drain.
Here’s a holiday plumbing guide every Orange County homeowner should know.
💧 1. Grease, Oil, and Fat — The Big Three to Avoid
Turkey drippings, bacon grease, and butter might seem harmless when warm and liquid — but once they cool, they solidify into thick blockages inside your pipes. This “FOG” (fats, oils, and grease) clings to pipe walls, trapping food debris and causing major backups.
Pro Tip:
Pour grease into a disposable container, let it harden, and throw it in the trash. Wipe greasy pans with paper towels before rinsing.
🍽️ 2. Fibrous and Stringy Foods
Holiday favorites like celery, onion skins, asparagus, and corn husks may seem soft enough to grind up — but they can wrap around your garbage disposal blades and jam the motor.
Even worse, long fibers tangle together, forming clogs that catch other food scraps.
Better Option:
Toss fibrous foods in the compost or trash instead of the drain.
🥔 3. Starchy Foods and Peels
Potatoes, rice, pasta, and even bread expand with water, creating a sticky paste that can block pipes. Potato peels and flour are especially risky — they mix with water and grease to form thick, cement-like clogs.
Holiday Tip:
When cooking mashed potatoes or pasta, scrape plates and pans into the trash before washing.
☕ 4. Coffee Grounds and Eggshells
Two common culprits of holiday drain blockages are coffee grounds and eggshells. Grounds stick to grease buildup, forming a sludge that settles deep in pipes. Eggshells break into sharp pieces that snag debris.
Smart Fix:
Collect used grounds and eggshells for composting — your garden (and pipes) will thank you.
🧴 5. Non-Food Items
Napkins, paper towels, and “flushable” wipes do not belong in any drain — especially the toilet. These materials don’t dissolve and can cause sewer backups.
🚰 Keep Your Kitchen Flowing Smoothly
If your sink starts draining slowly or your disposal makes strange noises, don’t ignore it. Call Mr. Rooter OC at 949-371-2025 for professional drain cleaning and garbage disposal repair in Orange County.
We’re available 24/7, even during the holidays, with no overtime fees.