Summer in Omaha means cookouts, backyard parties, and family gatherings. With more people in and out of your home, your plumbing system—especially your kitchen and bathroom drains—gets a serious workout. Unfortunately, this is also when drain problems are most likely to show up.
Whether you’re prepping for a holiday barbecue or just hosting weekend guests, the last thing you want is a backed-up sink or a slow-draining shower. Here are some professional tips to help you avoid plumbing hiccups and keep your summer entertaining stress-free.
1. Watch What Goes Down the Kitchen Drain
Omaha summers are full of delicious grilled meats, fresh produce, and homemade side dishes—but food scraps are a major culprit for clogged kitchen drains. Avoid rinsing the following down your sink:
- Grease and cooking oils
- Stringy vegetables like celery or corn husks
- Coffee grounds
- Bones or large food scraps
Even if you have a garbage disposal, remember that it’s not built to handle everything. When in doubt, toss it in the trash or compost bin instead.
2. Use Drain Screens in High-Traffic Bathrooms
If you’re hosting overnight guests or backyard gatherings, your bathrooms are going to see more use than usual. Hair, soap scum, and even small toiletries can find their way into drains. Installing inexpensive drain screens in showers and sinks can help catch debris before it causes a clog.
3. Space Out Water Use
Multiple guests using showers, flushing toilets, or running sinks at the same time can strain your plumbing. If possible, stagger water usage to give drains time to clear—especially if your home has older plumbing, as many in the Omaha area do.
4. Clean Drains Before Your Event
If you’ve noticed slow draining or gurgling sounds coming from your pipes, don’t wait until your guests arrive. Scheduling a professional drain cleaning service before your event can eliminate buildup and prevent last-minute plumbing emergencies.
5. Keep Guests Informed (Subtly)
Sometimes a quick note in the guest bathroom—like a reminder not to flush anything other than toilet paper—can go a long way in avoiding mishaps. Many plumbing calls in the summer are caused by well-meaning guests who didn’t realize what your system can (and can’t) handle.
Call the Omaha Drain Experts at In-Law Plumbing
If you’re planning a summer get-together, now’s the time to make sure your drains are ready. At In-Law Plumbing, we offer professional drain cleaning and inspection services throughout the Omaha area to keep your home running smoothly—before, during, and after your event.
Contact us today to schedule your drain service and enjoy a clog-free summer!