Summer in East Tennessee is the perfect time for outdoor fun, family gatherings, and delicious backyard barbecues. But while you’re grilling burgers, smoking ribs, or preparing potato salad, your home’s plumbing system may be silently facing one of the season’s most common issues: clogged drains.

When you’re hosting summer events, your kitchen and outdoor spaces see a lot more action. From grease buildup to food scraps and excess waste, it’s easy to unintentionally overwhelm your drains during BBQ season. The last thing you want during your summer celebration is a plumbing emergency.

At Advanced Heat, AC & Plumbing, we help homeowners prevent costly plumbing problems year-round. In this article, we’ll explore practical summer plumbing tips to help you keep your drains clear and your BBQs worry-free.

Why Summer Is Prime Time for Drain Clogs

While clogged drains can happen at any time of year, summer presents unique challenges:

  • Increased cooking, especially greasy or fatty foods
  • More frequent dishwashing and garbage disposal use
  • Outdoor cleaning that introduces dirt and debris into sinks
  • Hosting more guests, increasing bathroom and kitchen traffic

Without proper care, your drains can quickly become overwhelmed, leading to backups, foul odors, and even emergency plumbing calls.

1. Be Careful What Goes Down the Kitchen Sink

One of the easiest ways to prevent summer clogs is to pay close attention to what you’re washing down the drain. During BBQ season, it’s common to accidentally rinse greasy residues and food scraps into the sink, which can lead to stubborn blockages.

Avoid Pouring These Items Down the Drain:

  • Cooking oils, grease, and fat: These substances solidify as they cool, sticking to pipe walls and trapping other debris.
  • Bones and meat scraps: These are difficult to break down and can quickly clog garbage disposals.
  • Corn husks, onion skins, and fibrous vegetables: These stringy items can wrap around garbage disposal blades and cause jams.
  • Pasta, rice, and starchy foods: These expand with water and can create dense blockages inside your pipes.

Instead of rinsing these materials into the drain, scrape them into the trash or compost bin.

2. Use Sink Strainers

Installing inexpensive sink strainers is one of the best ways to catch food particles before they reach your plumbing. Sink strainers prevent scraps, coffee grounds, and other debris from slipping through and accumulating in your pipes.

Make it a habit to empty the strainer into the trash regularly, especially when cooking large meals.

3. Properly Manage Grease and Cooking Oil

Grease is a leading cause of summer drain clogs. Even small amounts of oil can solidify in your pipes and attract other debris, creating a major blockage over time.

Grease Disposal Tips:

  • Let grease cool in a pan or jar before throwing it away.
  • Wipe greasy pans and plates with paper towels before washing.
  • Avoid using hot water to rinse grease; it may seem like it’s dissolving, but it will harden again as it travels through your plumbing.

If you frequently cook on a grill or smoker, consider designating a grease disposal container to keep your drains safe.

4. Run Cold Water When Using the Garbage Disposal

If you’re using your garbage disposal to handle small food scraps, always run cold water during and after operation. Cold water helps solidify any remaining fats or oils so the disposal can chop them into small pieces that are less likely to stick to pipes.

Also, avoid overloading the disposal. Feed waste gradually and give the unit enough time to process each batch before adding more.

If your disposal is making strange noises or draining slowly, reach out to Advanced Heat, AC & Plumbing for professional garbage disposal repair or replacement.

5. Keep Outdoor Drains Clear

Summer often brings a mix of rain, yard work, and backyard parties—all of which can impact your outdoor plumbing.

Check your patio, driveway, and yard drains regularly for:

  • Grass clippings
  • Leaves
  • Mud or soil buildup
  • Trash or BBQ debris

Clearing outdoor drains can prevent water backups that may lead to puddling, flooding, or foundation damage.

If your outdoor drains are frequently clogged or slow to drain, contact us for professional drain cleaning services to restore proper flow.

6. Flush Your Drains with Hot Water

To help prevent buildup in your kitchen and bathroom drains during the summer, make a habit of flushing them with hot water regularly. This simple step can break up small grease deposits and keep things moving smoothly.

Every week, pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain, followed by cool water to flush out debris.

For a natural cleaning solution:

  • Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain.
  • Follow with 1 cup of white vinegar.
  • Let it fizz for 10-15 minutes.
  • Flush with hot water.

Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners, which can damage pipes and harm the environment.

7. Watch for Early Signs of Drain Problems

The best way to avoid a clogged drain during your summer BBQ is to catch plumbing issues early. Be on the lookout for:

  • Slow-draining sinks or showers
  • Gurgling sounds from drains
  • Bad odors from pipes
  • Water backing up into sinks or tubs

If you notice these signs, it’s time to schedule professional drain cleaning to prevent a complete blockage.

8. Prepare Bathrooms for Summer Guests

When you’re hosting summer parties, your bathrooms may see a lot more traffic. This can lead to clogged toilets and drains if not properly managed.

Tips to prevent bathroom clogs:

  • Provide trash cans to discourage guests from flushing paper towels or hygiene products.
  • Use drain strainers in showers to catch hair.
  • Keep a plunger nearby for quick fixes.

If you encounter frequent toilet clogs or slow drains, our plumbing team in East Tennessee is ready to help.

9. Schedule a Preventive Plumbing Inspection

Summer is an ideal time to schedule a plumbing inspection, especially if you’re planning multiple backyard gatherings or large family events.

A preventive inspection can identify:

  • Partial blockages in kitchen or bathroom drains
  • Garbage disposal issues
  • Outdoor drain obstructions
  • Hidden leaks or corrosion

Catching problems early can save you from an emergency call in the middle of your BBQ.

10. Call for Professional Drain Cleaning

If you’re dealing with persistent slow drains or minor clogs that keep coming back, professional hydro jetting is the most effective solution. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to remove grease, food buildup, soap scum, and other stubborn debris from your pipes.

At Advanced Heat, AC & Plumbing, we offer safe, thorough drain cleaning services that can restore your plumbing system to peak condition, ensuring a clog-free summer.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let a clogged drain ruin your summer BBQ. With a little proactive care and these practical summer plumbing tips, you can keep your drains clear, your kitchen running smoothly, and your backyard parties stress-free.

If you need help with clogged drains, garbage disposal issues, or professional plumbing maintenance, Advanced Heat, AC & Plumbing is your trusted East Tennessee plumbing partner. We offer fast, reliable service to keep your home in top shape all season long.

👉 Contact us today to schedule your summer plumbing inspection or drain cleaning service.

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