Preventing Kitchen Plumbing Problems During The Holidays

During the busy holiday season your home's plumbing system has to keep up with the demands of holiday gatherings and a busy kitchen. To keep things working smoothly, we've put together a list of home plumbing tips to help you avoid common plumbing problems.

Garbage Disposals

During the holidays your garbage disposal can be working overtime to remove food waste. These simple tips will help you avoid a broken disposal.

• Turn on the tap before, during and 15 seconds after running the disposal
• Use only cold water when running the disposal
• Do not fill the grinding chamber with waste and turn on the disposal, add waste in small amounts
• If your disposal is clogged, don't use harsh drain cleaning chemicals that can damage the mechanical parts, shortening the life of the disposal
• Have a foul smelling disposal? A lemon or orange can work as a natural deodorizer

Perhaps the most important task you can and should take on regularly is cleaning the garbage disposal and drain in order to avoid possible clogs. Food remains or any other items which are left within the disposal will not only produce bacteria and foul odors, but will also disrupt its proper functioning. Always unplug the disposal first and use a nylon brush to clean the inside of the disposal.

Kitchen Drain

Early warning signs of a clogged drain include slow draining or a gurgling sound. Don't ignore these early warning signs. Have your drains regularly cleaned to prevent a major clog.

Dispose of cooking oil and grease by putting it in disposable cups in your freezer, then disposing of the frozen grease in the trash.

If your drain becomes clogged, be wary of harsh drain cleaners that frequently lead to pipe corrosion. For a safer, natural way to clear a clogged pipe, pour baking soda, then boiling water, then vinegar down your drain.

If your drain is clogged, you may need to remove the trap and clean it. First place a bucket under the drain, and use a wrench to release the fittings on the trap. Once removing the trap, check where the clog is and clear it away. If you can't spot the clog in the trap, give us a call and we'll professionally clear your clogged drain pipe.

Announcing the Bob Hamilton Blog

Welcome to the new Bob Hamilton Blog. Check back often for helpful tips and ideas that will help you get the most out of your home's plumbing, heating and air conditioning systems. We'll help you save energy and prevent costly breakdowns and repairs.

"Like" Bob and Help Those In Need

We are proud to announce our new holiday giving project. For every 'Like' we receive on our Facebook page between November 15 and December 15 (up to 5,000) Bob Hamilton Plumbing will donate $1 to Giving The Basics - a charity that provides products for dignity to local charities. So give give Bob a "Like" and do some good this holiday season!

To learn more about Giving the Basics, visit www.givingthebasics.org.