Tips for preventing plumbing problems this Thanksgiving

1. Do not treat your disposal like a trash can! Prevent overloading by throwing your leftovers in the trash or compost pile. 

2. Run Water. When using the disposal, make sure to let the water run, and keep it on a few seconds after you turn the disposal off.

3. Do not operate your dishwasher if you think there is a problem. Wait until after the holiday to avoid unnecessary stress, and wait for an expert to take a look.   

4. Keep Grease at a minimum. Avoid dumping grease down the drain. Wipe off all excess grease before washing in the sink.

5. Avoid putting stringy, fibrous or starchy waste in the garbage disposal. Poultry skins, celery, fruit  and potato peels, for example, cannot be sufficiently broken down.