We know that there are probably no items related to plumbing on your Halloween to-do list. That’s why we’re here to help.

Don’t worry; this won’t take much time away from your pumpkin-carving and party plans.

Let’s start with the easy stuff. After a busy night of trick-or-treating, your kids will return home with bags full of small candies and candy bars, some of which are inside clear wrappers. And in their haste to start gobbling up all those goodies, some of those wrappers may end up in the sink or down one of your drains.

Avoid a potential drain clog by reminding the little ghosts and goblins to dispose of all wrappers in the trash – and then take a quick swipe around the drain with your finger before running the water, in case they forget.

The drain is also not a place for the greasy makeup used as part of many Halloween costumes. If you’re using a disposable wipe to clean it off a child’s face, dispose of that wipe in the trash. Yes, we know it says they’re flushable on the box, but better safe than sorry.

Finally, when it’s time to transform that pumpkin you brought home into a scary jack-o-lantern, dispose of the insides – you guessed it – in the garbage can. Soft pumpkin pulp and seeds may slide down a drain or garbage disposal easily enough, but if they get lodged inside the pipes that could be trouble.

And here’s one extra tip – instead of throwing away the seeds, roast them in the oven with some salt and olive oil. It’s a great fall snack!