Summer BBQs are one of the highlights of the season. They bring people together, and there’s nothing better than grilling up some delicious food on a hot summer day. But along with all the fun and laughter, summer BBQs can also bring about some unexpected plumbing problems. From clogged drains to malfunctioning garbage disposals, your plumbing system may take a beating without you even realizing it. In Essex County, MA, and surrounding areas, it’s essential to keep these plumbing issues in mind during the summer months so you can avoid costly repairs and disruptions.
Here’s how your BBQ might be causing plumbing problems, and more importantly, how to avoid them!
1. Grease and Fat Down the Drain
One of the most common issues after a summer BBQ is people unknowingly dumping grease and fat down the sink. Whether it’s from leftover cooking oils or the fat from grilled meat, many don’t realize how much damage this can cause. Grease solidifies as it cools, coating your pipes and leading to slow drains or even complete blockages.
How to Avoid It: Never pour grease, fat, or oils down the drain. Instead, collect them in a container (like an empty can or jar) and throw it away once it has cooled. If you accidentally pour grease down the drain, run hot water immediately to help flush it through—but don’t rely on this as a long-term fix.
In the event that you do experience a clog, Maffei Services, serving Rowley, MA, and surrounding areas, can help clear your drain before the issue worsens.
2. Food Scraps in the Garbage Disposal
Another common mistake during BBQs is tossing food scraps directly into the garbage disposal. While these appliances are helpful for clearing away small bits of food, they can’t handle everything. Items like corn on the cob, potato peels, and fibrous vegetables (such as celery) can cause damage to your disposal, and large amounts of food can create blockages in your drain lines.
How to Avoid It:
- Dispose of larger food scraps in the trash.
- Don’t overload your garbage disposal. If you have a lot of food to dispose of, feed it in slowly, giving the disposal time to grind the food properly.
- Run plenty of water while the garbage disposal is in use to help keep the system clear.
If your garbage disposal is making strange noises or isn’t working properly after your BBQ, it might need professional attention. Maffei Services can inspect your system and keep it running smoothly.
3. Ice, Drinks, and the Drain
Summer BBQs often feature plenty of ice, especially in drinks like cold sodas, iced tea, and cocktails. After the party, many people dump the leftover ice down the sink. But this can lead to clogged pipes when the ice melts and combines with food debris or grease, forming stubborn blockages.
How to Avoid It: If you have leftover ice, don’t just dump it down the drain. Instead, let it melt in a container, and dispose of the water in a more controlled manner. If the ice is still solid, throw it in the trash or even use it to water plants!
4. Excessive Paper Towels and Napkins in the Toilet
During a busy BBQ, the last thing you may want to worry about is making sure everyone is disposing of their paper products properly. However, many guests may flush paper towels, napkins, or even wet wipes down the toilet. While toilet paper is designed to break down in water, paper towels and napkins do not. These items can easily clog up pipes, leading to messy backups.
How to Avoid It: Place extra trash cans around your party area for easy disposal of paper towels, napkins, and other waste. Make sure everyone knows to throw away these items instead of flushing them down the toilet.
If you do experience a clog, it’s best to have a professional plumber inspect your plumbing to avoid any long-term damage.
5. Outdoor Faucets and Hoses Overuse
Summer BBQs often involve a lot of outdoor activities, such as watering the garden, filling up kiddie pools, or cleaning up the mess after the event. Overusing outdoor faucets and hoses, especially with high water pressure, can cause damage to your plumbing. Leaking outdoor faucets or hoses can result in water waste and a potential increase in your water bill.
How to Avoid It:
- Regularly inspect your outdoor faucets for leaks.
- Avoid over-tightening the hose bibs, which can cause them to crack and lead to leaks.
- If you notice any leaks, get them repaired as soon as possible. Maffei Services is ready to assist homeowners in Essex County, MA, with outdoor faucet inspections and repairs.
Additionally, make sure your hoses are properly disconnected after use to avoid freezing during the colder months.
6. Drainage Issues from Yard Waste
After a BBQ, it’s common to clean up the yard and dispose of leftover food waste or trash. However, this waste can sometimes clog outdoor drains, especially if food scraps like corn husks or potato skins end up in the yard waste bags. These organic materials can block drainage systems, leading to water pooling in your yard.
How to Avoid It:
- Compost food scraps instead of throwing them away in the trash. This keeps your plumbing system clear while benefiting the environment.
- Ensure that your outdoor drains are clear of debris to prevent water backup.
7. Hot Weather and Overburdened Pipes
The heat of summer can put extra pressure on your plumbing system. Hot weather can cause pipes to expand and become more vulnerable to leaks. Additionally, using water for BBQs, watering plants, and filling up the pool puts added demand on your system.
How to Avoid It:
- Regularly check your plumbing for leaks or signs of wear.
- Schedule a yearly plumbing inspection with Maffei Services to ensure that your pipes are in good condition and can handle the summer load.
Call Maffei Services to Keep Your Home in Tip-Top Shape Throughout the Summer
Summer BBQs are a wonderful way to enjoy the season, but they can also present plumbing challenges for homeowners in Rowley, MA, and surrounding areas. By taking a few simple precautions, you can keep your plumbing running smoothly.
If you find yourself facing a plumbing problem after a BBQ, don’t hesitate to contact Maffei Services. Our team is ready to provide expert plumbing inspections and solutions to help you keep your home in tip-top shape throughout the summer.
