As the snowbirds return to Sarasota, we begin to clear a lot of kitchen stoppages. The peak demand occurs on Thanksgiving. Our call center is always challenged to schedule blocked kitchen drains from Venice on up to Longboat Key on the day after Thanksgiving. This unique American celebration is all about a feast with family and friends which results in over-taxed kitchen lines. Too often garbage disposers are involved in these mishaps. Remember that disposers are not vaporizers. It takes time to grind the waste up. While we are happy to clear disposers anytime, consider these common sense tips to keep your drains running free:

• Don’t overload the disposer or cram the grinding chamber full. Let the water run continuously as you process the waste in small batches.
• DO NOT process bones in the disposer.
• Don’t pour grease down the drain. Blot it up with paper towels and treat grease as garbage.
• When your disposer jams, check the reset button on the bottom of the unit.
• Clean up your disposer by grinding a few lemon wedges or introduce a half cup or so of baking soda.

Leland Plumbing has steadfastly carried In-Sink-Erator food waste disposers since day one, cause Mother needs your love, not your kitchen mess.  We like their reliability and no-questions-asked warranty.