Avoiding “Brown Friday”: Plumbing Tips for Holiday Hosting
Every year, the day after Thanksgiving earns a nickname in the plumbing world: “Brown Friday.” While retail workers deal with Black Friday crowds, plumbers across Billings and Laurel stay busy responding to urgent calls about clogged sinks, overloaded garbage disposals, and backed-up toilets. The reason? Holiday hosting can push household plumbing systems beyond their limits.
At Brown Plumbing & Heating, we’ve seen it all—and we’re here to help you avoid becoming part of the post-feast chaos.
Why the Holidays Are Hard on Plumbing
Between cooking large meals, hosting overnight guests, and extra bathroom traffic, your home’s plumbing works overtime during the holidays. Common issues include:
Kitchen drain clogs from grease, starchy leftovers, and food scraps.
Garbage disposal jams caused by bones, fibrous veggies, or overuse.
Toilet backups from high guest volume or low-flush toilets.
Water heater strain from back-to-back showers and dishwashing.
These problems often show up suddenly—and right in the middle of your holiday fun.
Preventive Steps Before Guests Arrive
A few simple steps can help you avoid a plumbing emergency during the busiest time of the year:
Schedule a Pre-Holiday Plumbing Check
A quick inspection by a professional can uncover slow drains, outdated fixtures, or hidden leaks before they become holiday headaches.
Give Your Garbage Disposal a Break
Don’t treat your disposal like a trash can. Avoid putting in grease, eggshells, potato peels, coffee grounds, or pasta—all of which can clog your pipes.
Prep the Bathroom
Stock up on toilet paper and plungers. If you have an older toilet, consider upgrading to a model with better flush power.
Space Out Water Use
Encourage guests to wait 10–15 minutes between showers and avoid running the dishwasher while someone is using hot water elsewhere.
Know Where the Shut-Off Valve Is
If something does go wrong, knowing how to quickly shut off water can minimize damage until help arrives.
What to Do If Trouble Strikes
If your kitchen sink stops draining or the toilet overflows, don’t panic—turn off the water source and call a licensed plumber. DIY fixes can sometimes make matters worse, especially if you don’t have the right tools or know-how. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of water damage or contamination.
At Brown Plumbing & Heating, we’re available for fast, reliable service when you need it most. And yes—we even work on “Brown Friday.”
Let Us Help You Host with Confidence
Don’t let plumbing problems steal the joy of the season. Whether you need pre-holiday maintenance or emergency repairs during the big weekend, Brown Plumbing & Heating has your back. We proudly serve homeowners throughout Billings and Laurel with top-tier service and honest solutions.
Schedule your pre-holiday plumbing check today at https://brownplbg.com
Because no one wants to remember Thanksgiving for a backed-up sink.
Read Next: Why Some Plumbing Fixtures Must Follow Strict Code (Even in Upgrades)