While it’s not a holiday that anyone wants to celebrate, the prominence of “Brown Friday” — the day after Thanksgiving in which people have plumbing issues — is growing.
According to a survey from Angi’s, previously Angie’s List, the number of plumbing issues spiked almost 40% after hosting a Thanksgiving meal. This trend has resulted in plumbers dubbing the day “Brown Friday” due to calls for slow-draining sinks, overflowing toilets, and more.
The survey sought to offer insight into the surge of post-Thanksgiving plumbing issues. It found that nearly 65% of homeowners are taking proactive steps to prevent plumbing issues during this year’s turkey holiday.
It was also found that 40% of plumbing issues after Thanksgiving aren’t as gross as you might think, as they are caused by clogged kitchen sinks, often from food waste.
Still, despite efforts to be proactive, 26% of homeowners have said they’ve experienced plumbing issues after hosting a Thanksgiving meal.
Another 20% said they were completely unprepared for plumbing emergencies if they were to take place during Thanksgiving.
When it comes to the biggest issues highlighted in the survey, grease buildup and trash disposal mistakes were the top plumbing pitfalls listed.
The survey offered advice for those hosting this year to avoid having to make that call on Friday morning.
The advice includes keeping food out of the drain to avoid any back-ups in your kitchen sink; having an empty trash can in the bathroom so your guests don’t flush something they shouldn’t; and calling a pro if the situation is too much to handle.