Brown Friday: How to Avoid a Post-Thanksgiving Plumbing Nightmare

Picture of a sink leaking heavily in a customer's house in Columbia, SC

Thanksgiving in Columbia, SC, is a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing delicious meals, and celebrating traditions. However, the day after Thanksgiving, known in the plumbing industry as “Brown Friday,” brings a different challenge: it’s the busiest day of the year for plumbing service calls. With an influx of calls for clogged drains, broken garbage disposals, and overflowing toilets, 2nd Wind HVAC is well-acquainted with the post-holiday rush. While many shoppers are out searching for Black Friday deals, our skilled team is prepared to respond to emergency plumbing situations across Columbia. But what makes Brown Friday so notorious, and how can you prevent a plumbing mishap? Let’s explore the reasons behind this trend and share practical tips to keep your home’s plumbing functioning smoothly.

What’s Behind the Name “Brown Friday”?

The term “Brown Friday” is widely known in the plumbing industry due to the sharp increase in service calls after Thanksgiving. The reason for this surge is clear: the holiday’s extensive food preparation and increased guest traffic put additional strain on household plumbing. According to data from service platforms like ServiceTitan, calls for clogged drains, garbage disposal repairs, and toilet overflows often rise by over 50% on Brown Friday. 2nd Wind HVAC in Columbia has firsthand experience with how these holiday demands can challenge even the most robust plumbing systems.

Issues often stem from food waste going down the drain, grease buildup, and the added use of bathrooms by guests. These factors create a perfect storm that makes Brown Friday a challenging day for both homeowners and plumbers.

Why Does Thanksgiving Cause Plumbing Problems?

Thanksgiving puts significant stress on kitchens and bathrooms, resulting in common plumbing issues. Here’s why plumbing problems spike during this holiday:

  1. Overloaded Garbage Disposals: Disposals are built for convenience but aren’t designed to handle everything. Bones, fibrous foods, and grease can jam disposals, dull blades, or cause motor burnout, leading to clogs.
  2. Clogged Kitchen Drains: Foods like mashed potatoes, gravies, and cooking oils can solidify as they cool, creating blockages that slow or stop drainage.
  3. Overused Toilets: With more people in the house, toilets are used more frequently, increasing the risk of clogs, especially if guests flush items that shouldn’t go down the toilet.

Plumbing Data and Trends

The reputation of Brown Friday as the busiest day for plumbers is supported by industry data. Reports from ServiceTitan and similar sources show a clear increase in calls for drain cleaning, garbage disposal issues, and mainline stoppages right after Thanksgiving. Some plumbing companies report service requests increasing by as much as 20% compared to regular days. This trend underscores how Thanksgiving activities can place extraordinary demands on household plumbing. While the name “Brown Friday” may sound lighthearted, dealing with plumbing emergencies during a holiday weekend is anything but enjoyable.

Tips to Avoid Brown Friday Plumbing Issues

Preventing a post-Thanksgiving plumbing issue is simpler than you might think. Follow these tips to protect your Columbia home’s plumbing system:

1. Be Selective About What Goes Down the Garbage Disposal

Not everything should go down the disposal. Avoid fibrous foods, greasy leftovers, and bones. Run cold water while using the disposal to help move food particles through the pipes effectively.

2. Dispose of Grease Properly

One common mistake is pouring grease down the drain. While liquid when hot, grease solidifies as it cools, creating clogs. Instead, let it cool in a container and dispose of it in the trash.

3. Use Drain Screens

Drain screens are simple tools that catch food particles and debris before they enter the pipes. Using them in your kitchen and bathroom sinks can prevent clogs and keep drains flowing smoothly.

4. Stagger Appliance Use

Running the dishwasher, washing machine, and showers simultaneously can strain your plumbing system. Stagger these activities to prevent sudden pressure changes that can cause clogs or backups.

5. Communicate Bathroom Etiquette

It may feel awkward, but reminding guests to only flush toilet paper can save you from clogs. Even “flushable” items can cause plumbing issues. Providing a trash bin helps guests properly dispose of non-flushable items.

Preparing for a Smooth Thanksgiving

Brown Friday might be a known challenge for plumbers, but you can avoid it with a few simple precautions. By being mindful of what goes down the drain, properly disposing of grease, and spacing out appliance use, you can help your plumbing system handle holiday demands. If you do run into trouble, 2nd Wind HVAC is ready to assist Columbia residents with expert plumbing services. Wishing you a happy and stress-free Thanksgiving from all of us at 2nd Wind HVAC!

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