Written by Charlotte Shaff. 

From pumpkin seeds to face paint, Halloween festivities can lead to a plumbing scare if you’re not careful. Local family-owned Donley AC & Plumbing is sharing ways to keep your holiday free of plumbing frights.

1. No dumping pumpkins down the drain.

The dense, tough pulp and seeds can be a nightmare for your disposal and drain. The gunk sticks to disposal blades and blocks pipes. When cleaning out and carving your pumpkin, spread out newspaper or paper bags to catch the insides. When you’re done, you can roll up the paper and toss it in the trash. Or rinse off the seeds, toss them in a bowl with butter and salt and bake for a healthy snack.

2. No Halloween makeup in the sink or shower.

You may think scrubbing your face with soap and water is the best way to erase face paints and makeup, but oil-based products can adhere to pipes and clog drains. Instead, use a disposable wipe and, even if the instructions say the wipes are flushable, toss them in the trash.

3. Your toilet is not for trash.

Never put pumpkin seeds or pulp, uneaten candy or wrappers down the toilet. Some kids may try to sneak candy and use the toilet as a place to hide the evidence. Before temptation hits, make sure your children understand wrappers and discarded candy go in the trash, not the toilet.

4. Spooky sounds can be warning signs.

If you hear scary sounds in the night, your pipes could be to blame. High water pressure and loose pipes are just two reasons behind noises that can make you fear an intruder is banging on a door.  Left undetected, loose pipes could lead to flooding. An expert can pinpoint the source and offer solutions.

About Donley AC & Plumbing

Since 1976, Jim and Mike Donley and their employees have been providing honest, caring service to Arizonans. Family-owned Donley AC & Plumbing has twice been honored with the Better Business Bureau’s Ethics Award. Donley technicians receive ongoing training to provide the most comprehensive service for air conditioning, plumbing, heating, sewer repair, and maintenance management.  www.donleyservice.com