Why Brown Friday Might Ruin Your Weekend More Than Black Friday Ever Could

The day after Thanksgiving might be famous for doorbusters, but for plumbers across America, it’s known as something far less festive: “Brown Friday.” It’s the single busiest day of the year for clogged drains, blocked pipes, and emergency plumbing calls, and a new Drano-commissioned survey reveals just how widespread the problem has become. According to the Harris Poll, which was sent to The Blast, more than a third of Americans (35%) have experienced a clog after hosting a holiday gathering, while 22% have had drain issues after Thanksgiving alone. And despite the chaos happening below the sink, 63% of people say online search results make it confusing to know what’s true about drain cleaners. To break down the mess behind the day, The Blast spoke exclusively with plumbing expert, dad, and home-repair influencer David Coleman (@mechanicallyincleyend), who knows a thing or two about what happens when holiday cooking meets overworked pipes.

Coleman says the name is less about what you think, and more about what ends up down the drain. “Big meals, along with added clean up, creates the perfect storm for plumbing problems,” he explained. “From clogs to garbage disposal jams, your drains are put through a lot of work when you’re hosting for the holiday season.”

Between turkey carving, side-dish prep, and a kitchen full of family and friends, Thanksgiving practically guarantees a next-day plumbing meltdown for homeowners. But, if there’s one thing Coleman sees every single year, it’s people sending the wrong foods down their sinks. “The biggest culprits for Thanksgiving tend to be potato peels, stuffing, veggies like celery and onions, and turkey bones," he revealed.

However, the true villain is grease. “Definitely try to avoid all grease going down the drain,” he warned before emphasizing how the use of a strainer can go a long way. He also recommends tossing larger debris in the trash and keeping starchy foods, such as rice, noodles, and peels, far away from your disposal. “Any small bits in moderation can go down," he advised.

When it comes to Brown Friday chaos, Coleman says there’s one kitchen mistake he sees every single year, and it never gets less shocking. “It happens every year... someone putting a whole thing of rice or grease down the drain," he revealed.

Despite posting warnings on social media for four years straight, Coleman admits he still gets called out annually to fix the same preventable mess. But clogged sinks aren’t the only thing people misunderstand. According to Coleman, there’s also widespread confusion about drain cleaners themselves, especially Drano. “People think that drain cleaners are harmful to your drains and that products like Drano should be avoided," he said.

After nearly 20 years in the industry, he says that assumption simply isn’t true. “I have never once seen an issue with using Drano,” he explained, noting that earlier drain cleaners decades ago were harsher, but today’s formulas are very different. “Drano’s modern formulas are scientifically engineered and rigorously tested so you can feel comfortable using them as directed.”

Coleman added that Drano is safe for PVC, metal, cast iron, and plastic pipes, thanks to its PipeProtect Technology, designed to reduce buildup, protect the inner pipe surface, and work “like a shield” while clearing clogs fast.

When it comes to protecting your pipes, Coleman says the rules don’t change with the seasons. His list of drain no-goes stays the same all year long: no grease, no peels, no starchy foods like rice, pasta, or potatoes, and no large debris of any kind. “These shouldn’t go down drains at any time of year,” he explained. “I recommend using a strainer in the sink, even with a garbage disposal.”

The consequences can get expensive fast. Survey results show Americans spend an average of $136 fixing clogs, with 14% shelling out $250 or more for plumbing emergencies. Coleman says prevention is the best and cheapest solution. “The best way to avoid these situations is by preventing clogs," he said bluntly.

His go-to recommendation is Drano Max Build-Up Remover, a product formulated with active enzymes that help keep pipes clear when used regularly. “You can use it as directed on a monthly basis to help reduce buildup and keep your drains running smoothly," he told The Blast. And at under $25, it’s a fraction of what most people end up paying a plumber after a holiday mishap.

If anyone has seen the worst of Brown Friday, it’s Coleman, and he says the holiday disasters can get unforgettable fast. One incident, in particular, still stands out. “A customer put the whole bag of uncooked rice down the disposal," he recalled. "It was a nightmare to remove.”

And even his own family isn’t immune to holiday kitchen chaos, telling The Blast, “We spilled all the oil from a countertop deep fryer on the floor. The whole kitchen floor had to be replaced.”

From overflowing sinks to ruined floors, Coleman’s stories serve as a reminder that a single mistake can turn Thanksgiving weekend into an expensive, messy ordeal no homeowner wants to face.

With clogged drains spiking across the country and more than 58% of people experiencing blockages in the last year, Coleman says homeowners can avoid disaster by taking small steps and being realistic about what goes down their sinks.

Between holiday chaos, family crowds, and marathon cooking sessions, Thanksgiving might never be gentle on America’s plumbing. But with the right prevention and the right products, Brown Friday doesn’t have to come early.