Following plumbing dos and don'ts can help minimize holiday disasters

Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning shares practical tips to help New York City homeowners avoid costly clogs and unexpected repairs

BROOKLYN, N.Y., Nov. 9, 2026 — Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning, a family-owned home service company serving Brooklyn and Manhattan since 1906, is providing several tips to help homeowners avoid holiday plumbing disasters.

"The holiday season typically means more entertaining for homeowners," said Michael Petri, owner of Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning. "Preparing large family meals and cleaning up afterward puts extra strain on kitchen plumbing, while increased bathroom use stresses toilets. Making sure plumbing systems are well-maintained and working properly helps avoid unwelcome surprises when hosting friends and family."

Petri recommends some basic dos and don'ts to help ensure problem-free holiday gatherings:

• Do inspect plumbing for red flags. Regularly check for leaks in faucets, pipes and drains because all of these can lead to significant property damage in very little time. Ensure that toilets are amply flushing and tanks refill swiftly. Check for clogs in sink drains and that kitchen disposals function smoothly.
• Do take steps to prevent frozen pipes. Add foam insulation to exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like garages, basements and attics and along outside walls. Reduce drafts and gaps around windows and door frames with caulk to help prevent cold air from coming in contact with plumbing.
• Don't put grease or oil down sink drains. Instead, allow hot grease to cool completely and dispose of it with other refuse in a trash bag or receptacle.
• Don't grind fibrous or starchy vegetables in a sink disposal. Stringy vegetables like celery or onions can get caught in the blades of the disposal. Starchy items like potatoes can cause buildup in sink drains.
• Do keep a plunger handy. Plungers can help minor clogs in toilets and sinks, although each requires a different type of plunger. Leaving a toilet plunger in the bathroom can help guests remove embarrassing clogs discreetly.

"Here in Brooklyn, many older homes have timeworn pipes and fixtures," Petri said. "Our local homeowners should perform regular visual inspections to identify potential problems between scheduled professional maintenance visits. Proactively addressing plumbing maintenance, combined with common sense during holiday cooking and cleanup, will help keep home disasters at bay during seasonal entertaining."

For more information about Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning, visit https://www.petriplumbing.com/.

SOURCE Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning