As the fall season rolls in and Halloween festivities take over homes across Hollywood, FL and all throughout Broward County, plumbing issues often creep up in unexpected ways. From pumpkin pulp in your kitchen sink to candy wrappers stuck in drains, seasonal celebrations can put your plumbing to the test. Luckily, many common problems have simple solutions; and when DIY doesn’t cut it, Atlas Plumbing of Hollywood is here to help.

Pumpkin Pulp & Seeds Clogging Your Garbage Disposal

Carving pumpkins is a fall tradition, but the leftover pulp and seeds can quickly jam your garbage disposal. Pumpkin fibers are stringy and sticky, wrapping around blades and causing slow drains or strange noises.

Quick Fixes:

• Turn off the disposal and unplug it if possible.
  
• Remove trapped pulp with tongs or a small brush.
  
• Press the reset button and test the disposal.
  

What NOT to do: Avoid pouring hot water, chemical cleaners, grease or oil directly down the disposal as these can damage pipes over time. These can also solidify and create serious blockages, as advised as well by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Pro Tip: If your disposal is jammed, smoking, or making grinding noises that won’t stop, call Atlas Plumbing for safe and professional repairs.

For further insight, read our top drain cleaning and clog prevention tips.

Candy Wrappers and Cooking Oils

Halloween often leads to sticky situations beyond your candy bowl. Kids washing off candy residue or throwing wrappers down sinks can cause minor clogs. Additionally, fall baking often introduces cooking oils into the drains, which can solidify and block pipes.

Quick Fixes:

• Use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to break down minor clogs.
  
• Flush with hot water if appropriate.
  

For persistent clogs, check out our Drain Cleaning Services to keep your sinks flowing smoothly all season.

Mysterious Smells from Drains or Toilets

Warm, humid fall weather in South Florida can create bacterial growth in drains, causing unpleasant odors in kitchens or bathrooms. Dry P-traps in seldom-used guest bathrooms can also let sewer gases escape.

Quick Fixes:

• Run water in rarely-used sinks or bathrooms to refill P-traps.
  
• Use enzyme-based cleaners to break down organic buildup.
  

Learn more about safe disposal and drain maintenance from Broward County Water & Wastewater Services.

Increased Water Usage from Guests

Holiday parties and family gatherings mean extra water usage, which can expose silent leaks or weak toilet flushes. Broward County homes, especially older ones, may experience faster corrosion in pipes or deterioration of rubber components due to high humidity.

Quick Fixes:

• Inspect flapper valves in toilets for wear and tear.
  
• Tighten water supply connections to prevent leaks.
  

If problems persist, it’s time for professional help. Atlas Plumbing of Hollywood can quickly diagnose and resolve leaks, saving you water, money, and stress.

When DIY Isn’t Enough, Call a Local Professional Plumber

Even with the best seasonal prep, some plumbing problems require expert intervention. Atlas Plumbing of Hollywood provides:

• Diagnostic services, drain cleaning, and general plumbing repairs
  
• Water heater maintenance, repairs, and installations
  
• Sewer line diagnostics, repairs, and maintenance
  
• Backflow prevention installations and repairs
  
• Gas conversion services
  

Serving homeowners and businesses in Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Miramar, Davie, and all of Broward County, we ensure your plumbing stays in top shape throughout the fall season and holiday festivities.

📞 Call us today at (954) 925-5150
🌐 Visit atlasofhollywood.com to schedule your seasonal check-up or emergency service before your Halloween celebrations get interrupted!