While the Super Bowl’s Big Flush is a big myth, football fans should tackle some plumbing precautions before hosting a party.
Super Bowl Sunday is the second-largest day of food consumption after Thanksgiving, according to the American Institute of Food Distribution. This means toilets and garbage disposals will likely be working overtime.
“The big game is just like the holidays,” said Charlie Hall, owner of Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Colorado Springs. “People pile into homes and eat and drink more than usual.”
To keep toilets from clogging or overflowing and garbage disposals from malfunctioning, Hall recommends homeowners prep their bathrooms before guests arrive and keep an eye on their kitchens during the game.
Follow these tips to avoid missing the big play or brand-new commercials because of a plumbing emergency:
- Remove small objects from the top of the toilet tank that could fall in, causing a clog.
- Make sure a trash bin is easy to see, so guests won't flush paper towels, napkins or facial tissue.
- Think about using single-ply toilet paper, depending on the number of people attending.
- Don't overload the garbage disposal with leftovers, which can clog the sink.
- Wipe off greasy plates and pans with a paper towel before washing them and don’t pour grease down the drain.
- Locate and learn how to use the water shut-off valve under the toilet tank in case of an emergency. (It's a good idea to test it as well!)