Thanksgiving brings families together around tables loaded with turkey, stuffing, and everything delicious, but it also brings a less savory tradition: “Brown Friday.” Known as the busiest day of the year for plumbers, Brown Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving, when service calls for clogged drains, broken garbage disposals, and overflowing toilets skyrocket. While shoppers flock to stores for Black Friday deals, plumbers across the country are answering emergency calls for kitchens and bathrooms in distress. But what makes Brown Friday such a plumbing nightmare, and how can you keep your pipes clear amidst the Thanksgiving chaos? Let’s explore the why behind Brown Friday and share practical tips to help you avoid becoming part of this annual plumbing phenomenon.
What’s Behind the Name “Brown Friday”?
The term “Brown Friday” was coined by the plumbing industry as a humorous but accurate reflection of the day’s typical issues. The heavy influx of service calls happens every year, and it’s not hard to see why: Thanksgiving gatherings mean big meals, and big meals mean lots of cooking and cleaning. For your plumbing, that translates to more strain on the garbage disposal, sinks, and toilets than on any other day of the year. According to data from ServiceTitan, plumbing calls for clogged drains and broken garbage disposals increase by more than 50% following Thanksgiving.
The spike in calls comes down to the nature of holiday meals. Families across the country use garbage disposals as catch-alls for food waste, pouring greasy drippings down drains, and expecting toilets to keep up with the demands of extra guests. This perfect storm of factors makes Brown Friday the most dreaded day for both homeowners and plumbers alike.
Why Does Thanksgiving Cause Plumbing Problems?
Thanksgiving is a day when most kitchens go into overdrive. Here are some of the main culprits causing plumbing headaches during the holiday season:
- Overworked Garbage Disposals: Garbage disposals are powerful tools, but they have their limits. Disposals aren’t made to handle bones, starchy foods, and greasy residue, which many Thanksgiving dishes generate. When excess scraps from a hearty feast are stuffed down the disposal, the motor strains, and blades dull, leading to blockages and even disposal burnout.
- Clogged Kitchen Drains: Many foods commonly prepared on Thanksgiving—think mashed potatoes, cooking oils, and gravy—contain fats and starches that stick to pipes. Once they cool, they solidify, clogging drains and leading to sluggish water flow or outright blockages.
- Overflowing Toilets: With guests in the house, bathrooms see extra use, and toilets bear the brunt of it. When they’re flushed more frequently, the risk of blockages increases, particularly if guests use products that aren’t flush-friendly.
Plumbing Data and Trends
It’s not just anecdotal; Brown Friday’s reputation is backed by real data. ServiceTitan shows a clear jump in service calls for mainline stoppages, garbage disposal repairs, and drain cleaning the day after Thanksgiving. In fact, some plumbers report as much as a 20% increase in calls compared to an average day, making it clear that Thanksgiving puts a unique strain on household plumbing systems. And while it may seem a little funny at first, clogged drains or toilets are anything but a laughing matter when you’re trying to enjoy a holiday weekend.
Tips to Avoid Brown Friday Plumbing Issues
With a few proactive measures, you can protect your plumbing system and avoid the need for an emergency call on Brown Friday. Here are some of the most effective tips to keep things running smoothly.
1. Limit What Goes Down the Garbage Disposal
Only certain types of food waste belong in the garbage disposal. Avoid putting fibrous vegetables like celery, greasy scraps, or bones down the drain. These materials can jam the disposal, dull the blades, or cause an obstruction in the pipes. Whenever you use the disposal, run plenty of cold water to keep things moving smoothly through the system.
2. Dispose of Grease and Oils Properly
One of the most common Thanksgiving plumbing mistakes is pouring fats, oils, and grease (known as “FOG” in the plumbing world) down the drain. While they may seem liquid at first, they solidify quickly, creating a sticky coating that attracts food particles and debris, leading to slow drains and clogs. Pour cooking fats into a container, allow them to cool and harden, and then throw them away in the trash.
3. Install Drain Screens
Drain screens are simple but effective tools for catching food particles before they reach the pipes. Use these in both kitchen sinks and bathroom drains to reduce the chances of clogs. With a screen in place, you can prevent most food scraps from reaching the garbage disposal in the first place.
4. Stagger Use of the Dishwasher and Laundry
If you’re hosting guests, it’s easy to end up with every appliance running at once, from the dishwasher to the washing machine. This can tax your plumbing system, especially if it’s an older one. By spacing out these chores, you’ll reduce the overall strain on your pipes and give your system time to keep up with the flow.
5. Communicate Bathroom Etiquette to Guests
While it might feel a little awkward, remind guests not to flush anything other than toilet paper. Products labeled “flushable” aren’t always friendly to plumbing systems, and items like paper towels and hygiene products can lead to stubborn blockages. A quick reminder and a well-placed trash bin can help keep your pipes clear.
Preparing for a Clog-Free Thanksgiving
Brown Friday may be a well-known day for plumbers, but with a few smart steps, you can avoid calling in a professional over the holiday weekend. By limiting what goes into your garbage disposal, disposing of grease responsibly, and taking a few simple preventative measures, you can help your plumbing system handle the holiday season with ease.
But if things don’t go as planned and you find yourself facing a clogged drain or backed-up toilet, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help, with expertise and tools at the ready to make sure your Thanksgiving is memorable for the right reasons—great food, great company, and no plumbing emergencies. Happy Thanksgiving!