Tips to Keep Everything Flowing on the Big Day
Happy Thanksgiving, Southeast Michigan! The air is crisp, the kitchen smells amazing and the Lions will soon be taking the field—hopefully, ready to serve up another reason to celebrate! But while Detroit’s home team battles it out on the gridiron, another all-star is quietly hard at work in homes across the region: your plumbing.
Every Thanksgiving, drains, disposals and water heaters face a season-defining showdown. Between washing fresh produce, prepping the feast and tackling cleanup, your plumbing system runs a marathon that would challenge any athlete. So, as you root for those Honolulu Blue jerseys, don’t forget the MVP keeping your home reliably running along. And if you need a pre-game checkup, Matheson specializes in plumbing services in West Bloomfield, so you can be sure your home will perform like a pro—and score roars from Thanksgiving guests!
Game Day Pressure Is Real
Thanksgiving is the Super Bowl of household water use. From the first morning shower to the last round of dishwashing, your system never gets a timeout. Think of your kitchen sink as the offensive line, the garbage disposal your running back and the water heater—well, that’s your star quarterback.
And like any team under pressure, one bad play can change the whole game. A single clog can stall your drive, a worn-out water heater can throw off the play and a tired faucet can start leaking yardage—and money. That’s why this is the perfect time to make sure your plumbing lineup is in winning shape before the holidays are in full swing.
Play It Smart & Avoid a Flag
Even the best coaches know victory starts with a good game plan. Keep these quick plays in your back pocket to stay clog-free and stress-free:
- No grease in the X’s and O’s. Pouring fats, oils or gravy down the drain is a recipe for disaster—it’ll congeal, gum up the disposal and set the stage for a clog before halftime.
- Bench the bones and more. Turkey bones, celery, potato peels and coffee grounds all belong in the trash, not the disposal.
- Stay hydrated. Run cold water before, during and after using your garbage disposal. Doing so helps flush debris, cools the motor and keeps the blades moving smoothly.
- Avoid overtime. Don’t overload the sink with scraps or dishes. Pace your cleanup and give your system time to recover between downs.
- Keep an eye on the rookies. Houseguests unfamiliar with your disposal might not know what belongs down there—so intercept mistakes before they happen.
A little strategy goes a long way. By protecting your drains, you’ll avoid the most common Thanksgiving Day plumbing problems—the kind that can sideline your kitchen and leave you scrambling.
The Hot Water Hustle
It’s really hard to win without a great quarterback on your team … just ask the Bears. Between showers, cooking, handwashing and endless cycles of dishes, your water heater—that little-thought-of tank in the basement—is the one calling the plays behind the scenes.
Older units or neglected systems may not keep up when demand spikes, leaving you with water that’s as cold as a freshly dumped cooler of Gatorade. And when you’re cooking and cleaning for a crowd, reliable hot water isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential.
You can help your water heater stay in the game by:
- Checking for leaks or rust near the base of the tank
- Setting the thermostat to 120°F for safety and efficiency
- Flushing sediment buildup once a year to improve performance
- Upgrading to a high-efficiency model when your current one’s past its prime (typically after 8–10 years)
If your system’s showing its age, Matheson’s expert plumbers can repair or replace it—so you don’t end up hosting a 25-person hot-water crisis!
Post-Game Highlights: Keeping the Streak Alive
Much like the Lions on Thanksgiving, a strong showing at home starts with preparation—and a little pride. Remember, maintenance now prevents costly penalties later. Speaking of costly penalties, if you’ve spent a ton of money trying to rehab your furnace and think it may be headed to the injured reserve list, contact Matheson to discuss new heating system installs. After all, it’s difficult to compete without the right systems in place!
And when the (holiday) season’s on the line, you can always count on Matheson to step in and make the save. Our team handles it all—from fixing a sluggish sink to installing a new, energy-efficient water heater. And with our Plumbing Service Agreement, you’ll always have a hometown team in your corner, keeping your comfort and efficiency on a winning path.
To schedule your next appointment, please feel free to use our convenient scheduling tool or call us at 248.971.2994.