Trick-or-treat season is almost here. It’s time for ghouls, ghosts, witches, and jack-o’lanterns! And nothing says “Happy Halloween!” quite like a glowing pumpkin sitting on your porch.
Pumpkin carving is a favourite October activity. However, it can be very messy with all those leftover pumpkin guts. So, what are you supposed to do with the remaining pumpkin pulp?
Throwing the pulp down the sink into your garbage disposal might seem like an easy fix. If you do so, however, the trick will ultimately be on you.
Failing to properly dispose of pumpkin pulp can turn your home into a horror show. Fibrous foods like pumpkin scraps are a nightmare for your pipes. Unless you want to call your plumber in a state of emergency, dispose of these scraps the right way.
You cannot throw pumpkin pulp down the sink or into your garbage disposal. However, countless homeowners still make the mistake of chucking pumpkin remains into their kitchen disposals every year.
Maybe you’re one of the many Toronto residents who’s carved their Halloween pumpkin in the sink. After all, what better way to avoid a big cleanup?
Once your jack o’lantern is carved, your garbage disposal takes care of the mess. All you have to do is wipe down the sink before getting on with your evening, right?
No. The pumpkin scraps that you have just put into your garbage disposal are a ticking time bomb. You may have saved yourself a few minutes of cleaning tonight; however, you will pay dearly for it sooner rather than later.
Pumpkin pulp is slimy, stringy, and sticky. It’s also ideal for clogging drains and pipes. As the pulp dries, it hardens in the pipes and blocks the opening.
The drain pipes are now choked, and nothing can pass through them. This is a huge problem that will send you calling your plumber in a panic.
A clogged drain is never fun. It’s inconvenient and can really throw a wrench into your plans. Plus, the holidays are a busy season for plumbers. It’s one of the worst times to encounter a drain disaster.
If you discard pumpkin pulp into your garbage disposal, you will encounter plumbing issues. Moreover, you will have to pay a professional plumber to fix your clogged drains.
The expense and hassle of drain repair can be avoided simply by properly disposing of pumpkin scraps.
The pumpkin pulp is still just as stringy, sticky, and slimy when you flush it down the toilet as when you throw it down the sink. It’s the same problem. Therefore, the answer is no. You should never flush leftover pumpkin bits down the toilet.
Once the pulp begins drying within your pipes, it can block your home’s main sewer line. The clog may form further down the pipe when you flush your pumpkin scraps down the toilet, but it will clog nevertheless. And you will still have to call your plumber.
Remember, flushing pumpkin pulp down the toilet is no better than throwing it down the sink!
We (and your pipes) are glad you asked. In Toronto, pumpkin scraps should go directly into your yard waste or green organic bin. The same goes for the pumpkin itself once Halloween is over!
Doing so keeps pumpkins out of landfills. Instead, your used jack o’lanterns are turned into compost for city parks and gardens.
This sustainable option is better for the environment and helps your community. Furthermore, it ensures that your pipes remain free of clogs.
Of course, you can also dispose of the pumpkin pulp in your personal compost pile or garbage. However, we always recommend composting pumpkin scraps since it’s far better for Mother Earth!
We also suggest you carve your pumpkins on a layer of newspaper instead of in the sink. This makes clean-up easier and doesn’t set you up for a Halloween drain disaster. Once your ghoul or spooky face has been carved, simply chunk the pumpkin scraps and newspaper into your green bin.
Try roasting the pumpkin seeds if you’re looking for other fun pumpkin activities. These make a delicious, easy, and Halloween-themed snack.
Unsure what goes into your green bin in Toronto? Check out the City of Toronto’s website.
Oops! Did you already throw your pumpkin scraps down the sink or flush them down the toilet? If so, then you’re going to need a professional plumber.
Advanced Plumbing in Toronto is here to help. We offer drain repair services that will get your pipes flowing in no time. Additionally, we have 24/7 emergency services to save the day when you need it most.
If you have clogged pipes, contact Advanced Plumbing. To book an appointment, call us today at 866-863-9539 or contact us here.