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Topics: US News, News, Life, Food and Drink
Niamh Shackleton
While most people think the day after Thanksgiving is Black Friday, plumbers across the States refer to it as Brown Friday — and I'm not sure you want to know why.
Those who are keen to get a bargain might have thought that Brown Friday has something to do with shopping, but I assure you it's not.
Brown Friday is something that's been coined by plumbers and I'm sure you can put two and two together when reading anything about plumbing and the color brown. If not then what's about to come is on you, folks.
So, if Brown Friday isn't the cousin of Black Friday and will see you bag the AirFryer you've had your eye on for 30 percent off, what actually is it?
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Brown Friday refers to the day after Thanksgiving that's one of plumbers' busiest days of the year.
According to plumbing, sewer, and drain service provider Roto-Rooter, the day after Thanksgiving sees a 50 percent spike in service calls, Fox News reports.
The holiday of course sees a host of delicious food being eaten, but said food can wreak havoc on your toilets and garbage disposals.
Roto-Rooter spokesperson Paul Abrams said Thanksgiving is 'a perfect storm for plumbing emergencies'.
"With homes full of guests, extra showers, and marathon kitchen sessions, pipes and disposals are pushed to their limits," he explained. "Add in greasy turkey drippings and food scraps, and it’s no wonder drains clog and toilets back up."
Food wise, egg shells and potato skins are said to be some of the worst offenders when it comes to causing blockages. But there's one that even worse: celery.
"Celery is incredibly fibrous," plumber Patrick Garner told WTOP News. "When that comes down the drain, it’s breaking into these tough little strings, not unlike dental floss. That celery will bind up that disposal."
Another culprit? 'Flushable' wipes. Garner said of these: "I am convinced whoever invented flushable wipes was a plumber, because they know that no wipes are flushable."
People are urged to simply bin them instead to prevent any household horrors.
It's also advised that people spread out showers and laundry loads to reduce strain on their plumbing; place plungers and wastebaskets in guest bathrooms; and to run the disposal while feeding it food scraps. Also, keep turkey drippings and grease away from your drains.