The Unseen Chaos of Brown Friday
While most people spend the day after Thanksgiving shopping or recovering from a big meal, plumbers across Michigan face a different kind of challenge. It’s a day that has become so predictable for the industry that it’s even been given a name: “Brown Friday.” This is the day when plumbing services are in high demand, and for many professionals, it marks one of their busiest times of the year.
Liberty Plumbing in Jackson is no stranger to this surge. Owner Dave Holubowicz explains that each year, his team receives between 30 to 50 service calls in just a single day. While the exact cause of these issues can vary, the most common problem he encounters is the kitchen sink. Holubowicz humorously refers to it as “the most popular plug,” highlighting how often it becomes clogged with food particles and other debris.
However, the challenges extend beyond just food scraps. Hosting guests during the holidays means more showers, more flushing, and more appliances running simultaneously. This increased usage can put a significant strain on older plumbing systems that may not have been inspected in months. Daniel Comparetto of Meridian Company emphasizes the importance of being proactive. He warns that many families are caught off guard by these issues, especially since the holiday season is a time when homes are full of activity.
“During the holidays, it's a fun time of year, and a lot of people are coming around in the house,” Comparetto said. “If they have suspected drain issues or plumbing issues, it’s best to get an inspection done before the holidays, because it’s never fun to deal with that in the moment.”
Comparetto also points out that hot water systems require extra attention during this time. When the house is full, the demand for hot water increases significantly. He suggests that spreading out shower times in 10-15 minute blocks can help the water heater recover and maintain smooth operation throughout the day.
Despite these tips, the majority of emergency plumbing calls still stem from a simple habit: putting off maintenance. Holubowicz notes that many homeowners wait until water backs up or toilets overflow before taking action. This delay leaves them with few options when everything hits at once, making the situation more complicated and costly.
Both Liberty Plumbing and Meridian Company agree that the holidays are a special time, and no one wants a plumbing disaster to cut their celebration short. By taking small steps such as checking slow drains in advance, being mindful of what goes down the sink, and spacing out water usage, homeowners can help prevent Brown Friday from living up to its name.
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