The Day After Thanksgiving: Why It's the Busiest Day for Plumbers

Steve Kirkland • November 15, 2023

Don't Put That Down a Garbage Disposal

Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday for many, an occasion to spend time with family, enjoy a delicious feast, and give thanks. However, this celebration of abundance and gratitude also has an unexpected side effect. For plumbers, the day after Thanksgiving is the busiest day of the year. Referred to as "Brown Friday" in the plumbing industry, it's when our team at Kirkland and Shaw Plumbing springs into action to tackle a surge in service calls.

Group Photo of Plumbers at Kirkland and Shaw Plumbing.

The Reason Behind the Rush

The primary reason for the uptick in plumbing problems is the strain that Thanksgiving celebrations put on household plumbing systems1. The preparation of large meals means more waste is being disposed of in sinks, and garbage disposals can jam more frequently. Moreover, the increase in house guests places additional pressure on bathrooms, leading to potential toilet and shower drain issues.


How to Prevent "Brown Friday" Emergencies

While we at Kirkland and Shaw Plumbing are always ready to assist you, there are some preventive measures you can take to avoid plumbing emergencies on Brown Friday.


Firstly, be mindful of what goes down your drains. Avoid disposing of cooking oils, fats, and grease in your sink as they can solidify and cause blockages1. Similarly, be cautious when using your garbage disposal. Try to limit its use and never dispose of fibrous or hard food items that could cause a jam. Which could require having to have a new garbage disposal installed!


Secondly, ensure your bathroom is prepared for additional guests. Remind them not to flush anything other than toilet paper to avoid clogging.


Kirkland and Shaw Plumbing: Your Brown Friday Heroes

Despite taking precautions, if you do find yourself facing a plumbing issue, don't panic! At Kirkland and Shaw Plumbing, we're fully prepared for the Brown Friday rush. We understand that plumbing emergencies can put a damper on your holiday celebrations, and we're dedicated to providing prompt and efficient services to get your household running smoothly again.


So, as you enjoy your Thanksgiving feast and the company of your loved ones, remember that our team is here to take care of any plumbing concerns. Let us worry about your pipes while you focus on the pies!


What Not to Put Down the Drain This Thanksgiving


  • Gravy, Grease, Oils, Butter, and Fats: These substances can solidify and create clogs in your pipes.

  • Coffee Grounds: While they might seem harmless, coffee grounds can accumulate in your pipes and cause blockages over time.


  • Eggshells: The membrane inside the shell can wrap around the disposal blades.


  • Bones: They are too hard for the disposal blades to break down.


  • Turkey Skins:


  • Corn, Beans, Pasta and Rice: Can expand with water and potentially clog your pipes.


  • Fibrous or Stringy Vegetables: Items like celery, corn husks, or onion skins can tangle up the disposal blades.


  • Potato Peels: The starches in potatoes can turn into a thick paste and may cause blades to stick.


  • Fruit Pits or Seeds: Similar to bones, they're typically too hard for the disposal to handle.


Remember, when in doubt about whether something is safe to put in your garbage disposal, it's best to err on the side of caution and dispose of it in the trash instead.

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