Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days of the year—not just in the kitchen, but also for your plumbing. Between extra guests, nonstop cooking, and increased bathroom use, your home’s plumbing system will be under more pressure than usual. At Boris Mechanical, we always see a spike in emergency calls during and right after Thanksgiving weekend.
Here’s how you can avoid a Thanksgiving plumbing disaster and enjoy a stress-free holiday in your NYC home or apartment:
1. Don’t Treat Your Garbage Disposal Like a Trash Can
It’s tempting to scrape everything into the sink during meal prep, but not everything belongs down the disposal.
Avoid putting these down the drain:
- Grease, fats, and oils
- Potato peels or fibrous vegetables
- Bones and eggshells
- Coffee grounds and rice
Tip: Use a strainer over your kitchen sink and toss food scraps in the compost or trash instead.
2. Prepare Bathrooms for Extra Guests
If you’re hosting friends or family, your bathroom will see heavier use. Make sure everything’s working properly ahead of time.
Check for:
- Slow-draining sinks or tubs
- Weak toilet flushes or constant running
- Leaky faucets or drips
A quick pre-holiday inspection by a licensed NYC plumber can prevent embarrassing clogs or overflows.
3. Check Your Water Heater
Your water heater will work overtime over Thanksgiving—between guests showering and extra dishwashing.
Signs you may need a tune-up:
- Lukewarm water
- Long recovery time
- Strange noises from the tank
- Visible rust or moisture near the base
Flushing the tank or adjusting the temperature may improve performance. If your unit is 10+ years old, it may be time for a replacement.
4. Don’t Ignore Small Problems
That slow kitchen drain or occasional toilet clog? It won’t magically get better on Thanksgiving Day—it’ll get worse. And no one wants to call an emergency plumber during dessert.
Need a Pre-Holiday Plumbing Check?
At Boris Mechanical, we help NYC homeowners get ahead of holiday plumbing stress. We offer fast, affordable service throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and The Bronx.
Schedule your Thanksgiving plumbing prep now and enjoy a smooth, stress-free holiday—without a backup in sight.
