The trick to keeping pumpkin pulp and seeds from causing plumbing problems is as easy as pie.

“Instead of carving your jack-o’-lantern in or by the kitchen sink, try a newspaper,” said Randy Brague of Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Jacksonville shop. “You need to be cautious when removing and disposing of the pumpkin’s sticky substance.”

When pumpkin pulp goes down the kitchen sink drain, the orange substance hardens and sticks to the pipes. Pumpkin carvers can end up with clogged drains and broken garbage disposals if they aren’t careful – especially when it’s cleanup time.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing recommends wrapping all the cut pieces and seeds in the newspaper and throwing them away. For those who recycle, put the remnants in a compost pile. Pulp and seeds are great for cooking as well.