The holidays in Fort Wayne bring laughter, great food, and family gatherings — but they also put your home’s plumbing and sewer system to the ultimate test. From greasy gravy to festive feasts, what goes down the drain during this season can make or break your home’s plumbing health. With a little planning and awareness, you can prevent clogged sinks, backed-up disposals, and costly sewer repairs during your celebrations.
- Why Holiday Drain Problems Are So Common
Between cooking, cleaning, and hosting, kitchens work harder during December than any other month. When grease, food scraps, and oils are poured down the sink, they cool, harden, and stick to pipe walls — forming the start of a serious clog.
Top Causes of Holiday Drain Clogs:
✅ Pouring grease, gravy, or cooking oil down the drain.
✅ Rinsing plates with leftover food before scraping.
✅ Overloading garbage disposals with fibrous foods.
✅ Letting coffee grounds, rice, or pasta go down the sink.
✅ Ignoring slow drains until they stop completely.
Fort Wayne Note: Cold weather accelerates grease solidification inside pipes, meaning clogs form faster than in warmer months. Older Fort Wayne homes with narrow or cast-iron pipes are especially vulnerable.
- The Right Way to Dispose of Kitchen Grease and Scraps
The best drain protection starts with keeping problem materials out of your pipes entirely.
Safe Disposal Tips:
✅ Pour cooking grease into a disposable container, let it cool, and throw it away.
✅ Use sink strainers to catch small food scraps.
✅ Scrape dishes into the trash or compost bin before washing.
✅ Wipe pans with paper towels before rinsing.
✅ Never pour sauces or gravy with fat into your sink or garbage disposal.
Pro Tip: Keep a labeled “grease jar” under your sink — it’s an easy reminder for everyone in the house to dispose responsibly.
- Holiday Garbage Disposal Do’s and Don’ts
Your garbage disposal can handle small bits of soft food, but it’s not designed to grind everything from your dinner plate.
Garbage Disposal Do’s:
✅ Run cold water while using the disposal.
✅ Feed waste slowly to avoid overloading the blades.
✅ Clean with ice cubes and lemon peels to keep it fresh.
✅ Flush with cold water for 30 seconds after use.
Garbage Disposal Don’ts:
❌ No fibrous foods like celery, corn husks, or onion skins.
❌ No bones, seeds, or pits.
❌ No coffee grounds, eggshells, or starchy leftovers (mashed potatoes, pasta, rice).
❌ Never use hot water while grinding grease — it spreads the problem deeper into pipes.
Fort Wayne Insight: Most disposal backups occur within the first 48 hours after large family dinners. Run your disposal periodically during meal prep to avoid sudden overloads.
- Bathroom and Laundry Drains Also Feel the Strain
Holiday guests mean extra water usage across your entire home. Bathroom drains and laundry systems can back up under the added load.
Homeowner Checklist:
✅ Space out showers, laundry, and dishwasher cycles.
✅ Keep a plunger in every bathroom for quick fixes.
✅ Remind guests not to flush wipes, paper towels, or feminine products.
✅ Check basement floor drains for signs of slow flow.
✅ Use enzyme-based drain cleaners monthly for maintenance.
Fort Wayne Note: Many homes in Fort Wayne have shared laterals that connect multiple fixtures. When usage spikes, one clogged drain can affect others across your system.
- How to Handle a Clogged Drain During the Holidays
If your sink or shower begins to back up, resist the urge to use harsh chemicals — they can corrode older pipes and worsen blockages.
What to Do Instead:
✅ Stop running water immediately.
✅ Use a plunger or hand auger to break up simple clogs.
✅ Try a mixture of baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water.
✅ Call a professional if water starts backing up in multiple drains.
Pro Tip: If multiple drains are slow or bubbling, it’s a sign of a main line clog — not a local one. Avoid DIY methods and call AAA Sewer Service for emergency response.
- How AAA Sewer Service Protects Your Holiday Plumbing
When you’re busy entertaining, the last thing you need is a plumbing emergency. AAA Sewer Service offers preventive cleaning and fast-response drain clearing throughout Fort Wayne.
Our Services Include:
✅ Kitchen and main line drain cleaning.
✅ Hydrojetting for tough grease and food blockages.
✅ Sewer camera inspections to identify hidden problems.
✅ 24/7 emergency response for urgent holiday backups.
Final Thought
Holiday celebrations should be filled with joy, not plumbing stress. By practicing smart waste disposal and keeping your drains clean, you’ll protect your home from clogs and costly backups — so you can focus on what matters most this season.
📞 Call AAA Sewer Service at (260) 456-6930
🌐 Visit www.aaasewerservice.com