Pets fill our homes with joy, loyalty, and plenty of laughs. We love them like family, but let’s face it: they can be little bundles of chaos. Whether they’re chewing on random objects or turning bath time into a splash zone, pets can mix poorly with our plumbing.
Believe it or not, some of your pet’s everyday habits (and yours, too) could be putting unnecessary strain on your plumbing. The good news is that a few simple adjustments can prevent plumbing disasters and keep your beloved pets safe.
In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we offer some tips on pet-proofing your plumbing. If you need more than some tips, then call Mr. Rooter to hire a trained plumber.
Watch What Goes Down the Drain
Pets bring lots of hair into our lives – and our pipes. If you’ve ever bathed a dog or brushed a shedding cat, you know what we’re talking about. When that fur makes its way down the drain, it can clump together and cause stubborn blockages.
The solution is simple. Brush your pet thoroughly before bath time to minimize how much hair goes down the drain. For an extra line of defense, use a drain cover or hair catcher when washing your pet in the sink, tub, or shower. Remember to clean these regularly.
Protect Your Pipes from Curious Chewers
Some pets, especially puppies, love to chew on anything they can find – and exposed pipes are no exception. Not only can this damage your plumbing, but it can also hurt your pet if they ingest harmful materials.
Provide your pet with plenty of chew toys to keep them occupied and away from your plumbing but play it safe and insulate or cover the exposed pipes as well.
Be Careful What You Flush
When cleaning up after your pets, you might be tempted to flush certain items like kitty litter or pet waste down the toilet. However, even "flushable" litter can create major problems for your plumbing system. Dispose of these in the trash instead.
Pet-Proof Your Outdoor Plumbing
For pet owners with large dogs or adventurous cats, outdoor plumbing is another area to watch. Curious pets might dig around your yard and expose or damage buried pipes and sprinkler systems.
Train your pets to avoid areas where pipes or sprinklers are located, and use fencing, landscaping, or decorative rocks to protect vulnerable plumbing from enthusiastic diggers.
Invest in Regular Maintenance and Timely Repairs
Accidents happen even with the best precautions. Pets might chew on something they shouldn’t, or a bit of fur might slip past your drain cover. That’s why it’s important to stay proactive with your plumbing maintenance.
Schedule regular plumbing inspections to identify and address potential issues before they turn into an emergency plumbing scenario. Plus, why put off repairs when a plumber is just a call away with Mr. Rooter Plumbing?
Hire a Local Plumber Today
If your pet has done a number on your plumbing or you want to set up better safeguards, a professional plumber can help. Residents in the Columbia area don’t have to dig through web searches for “plumbers near me.” Just grab the phone and call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to hire a local plumber in Blythewood, SC.
