SARASOTA, Fla., Nov. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Gobble, gobble, stuff, stuff and uh-oh…stuck. It's a common scene plumbers with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing^® see every year on Black Friday. All the cooking, eating and clean up that comes with the Thanksgiving meal can create problems for your plumbing. Calls typically increase more than 50% on Black Friday over a typical Friday in November for plumbers with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, one of the largest residential plumbing companies in North America.

Plumbing managers say one of the biggest problems is that people often try to put too much, or the wrong things, down the garbage disposal. Another trouble area: bathrooms. Extra guests using toilets and showers can also clog drains and put pressure on plumbing systems.

Here are tips to avoid a visit from plumbers the day after Thanksgiving:

• Use the garbage can, or compost, instead of the garbage disposal.
  Fats, bones, peels and fibrous foods can clog drains and damage the disposal. Once fats and grease cool, pour everything into a container and toss it in the trash.
• Running water is a good thing.
  Run the water from your kitchen sink before using the disposal and again after using the disposal to help flush the line. Run the water for several seconds.
• In the bathroom
  Do not throw anything extra down the toilet, and when it comes to showers, consider an on-demand recirculating system. This provides instant hot water, and your guests will appreciate it.
• Preventative maintenance
  If water drains slowly in the shower or sink and it's been a while since you've had a plumbing inspection, it may be a good time to call a trusted plumbing professional. They can help identify potential problems and help you avoid an embarrassing situation when you have a house full of guests.

For more on preparing for the busy plumbing season ahead, call your local Benjamin Franklin Plumbing.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is currently ranked by Entrepreneur magazine as one of the top 500 franchise companies (#346 in 2014). A customer's time is the No. 1 priority for Benjamin Franklin Plumbing®. The franchise offers customers on-time plumber services, replacement and repairs done right the first time with courtesy, convenience, cleanliness, competence and character.

SOURCE Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

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