Thanksgiving in Fayetteville, NC, brings families together for feasts brimming with turkey, stuffing, and other holiday delights. But there’s an often-overlooked side to the holiday: “Brown Friday.” The day after Thanksgiving is notoriously the busiest for plumbers due to a surge in service calls for clogged drains, jammed garbage disposals, and overflowing toilets. While shoppers head out for Black Friday deals, plumbing teams like Bass-Air in Fayetteville are addressing urgent calls to keep kitchens and bathrooms functioning. So, why is Brown Friday a plumbing nightmare, and what can you do to avoid becoming part of this trend? Let’s uncover the causes of Brown Friday and share some tips to keep your plumbing running smoothly.
What’s Behind the Name “Brown Friday”?
“Brown Friday” may sound humorous, but for plumbing professionals, it’s no joke. The term reflects the sharp increase in service calls right after Thanksgiving, and it’s easy to see why. Thanksgiving dinners lead to significant food prep and cleanup, which puts a huge strain on household plumbing systems. Bass-Air and other local plumbing services in Fayetteville know that calls for clogged drains and broken garbage disposals spike by over 50% during this time, backed by industry data from tools like ServiceTitan.
The jump in service calls is largely due to the heavy use of garbage disposals, sinks, and toilets. Thanksgiving leftovers, grease from cooking, and non-flushable items in the bathroom all contribute to blockages, making Brown Friday a day that homeowners and plumbers alike anticipate with caution.
Why Does Thanksgiving Cause Plumbing Problems?
Thanksgiving is a day when kitchens are running full tilt, putting a strain on plumbing systems. Here are some common reasons plumbing issues spike during the holiday:
- Overloaded Garbage Disposals: Disposals may be strong, but they aren’t designed for heavy, fibrous, or greasy materials. Bones, peels, and fats can lead to jams and dull blades, causing clogs and even complete disposal breakdowns.
- Clogged Kitchen Drains: Holiday staples like mashed potatoes, oils, and gravies solidify in pipes as they cool, sticking to the walls and creating blockages. This can slow water flow or completely stop it.
- Overused Toilets: With guests in the house, toilets see extra use, increasing the risk of clogs, especially when non-flushable items are used. Frequent flushing and items like “flushable” wipes can spell trouble.
Plumbing Data and Trends
The high volume of plumbing issues on Brown Friday isn’t just anecdotal; it’s supported by data. Reports from platforms like ServiceTitan confirm a sharp increase in service requests for garbage disposal repairs, drain cleanings, and mainline stoppages right after Thanksgiving. Some plumbers report a 20% or more jump in calls compared to a typical day. This surge highlights how Thanksgiving can put a unique strain on plumbing systems. While it may bring a chuckle initially, facing a clogged drain or toilet isn’t what anyone wants during a holiday weekend.
Tips to Avoid Brown Friday Plumbing Issues
Preventing a plumbing emergency during the holidays is easier than you might think. Here are some simple yet effective steps to protect your Fayetteville home’s plumbing.
1. Be Mindful of Garbage Disposal Use
Only certain items should go down the disposal. Avoid putting fibrous vegetables, greasy food scraps, or bones down the drain. Always run cold water to help keep waste moving through the system without buildup.
2. Properly Dispose of Grease
One of the most common mistakes is pouring cooking grease or oil down the drain. While it may be liquid when warm, it hardens quickly, creating blockages. Let grease cool and harden in a container before disposing of it in the trash.
3. Install Drain Screens
Drain screens are a simple way to catch food scraps before they go down the drain, reducing the risk of clogs in the kitchen and bathroom.
4. Space Out Appliance Use
Running the dishwasher, washing machine, and taking showers all at once can strain your plumbing system. Space out these activities to help avoid sudden pressure changes that can lead to clogs.
5. Communicate Bathroom Etiquette
Remind guests to only flush toilet paper, as products like “flushable” wipes can lead to blockages. Ensure a trash bin is available to make proper disposal easy.
Preparing for a Smooth Thanksgiving
With some careful planning and a few preventive measures, you can avoid becoming part of the Brown Friday statistic. Follow these tips to keep your plumbing clear during the holiday, and if an emergency arises, know that Bass-Air is ready to assist. Our experienced team in Fayetteville is here to ensure your holiday is memorable for the right reasons—good food, great company, and no plumbing problems. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Bass-Air!