No doubt that we love our pets! They are part of the family, and like any family member, sometimes they can be a little bit of a handful. They can chew on a favorite toy or shoe, or they can scratch our floors and furniture. Although our furry friends don’t mean it, they can also cause a few issues with our plumbing if we are not aware. This happens because the effect they have on our system is not readily apparent. In order to keep our pipes and pets happy, we put together a list of tips to pet-proof your plumbing.
Cover exposed pipes
Although a chewed-up toy or shoe can be incredibly frustrating, an industrious dog who has chewed up and damaged an exposed pipe can really put a dent into the budget. This can cause rips and tears in the pipe resulting in unwanted leaks. The pipe itself can be toxic for your pet. In order to prevent this kind of damage, talk to an expert about what kinds of materials can be used to cover the pipes without creating an eyesore.
Clean pets outside
Who wants a pet covered in mud and dirt, especially if they have found their way onto our favorite couch or spot on the bed! Bath time is inevitable; however, make an effort to do the dirty work outside. Bathing our pets in a bathtub, shower or sink can cause mud, dirt or whatever is caught in their fur to attempt to wash its way down the drain, causing unwanted blockages. Rinse your pet outside on a patio or driveway to keep both the house clean and your pet clean. If you do rinse your pet off in a sink, use a drain stopper. These drain guards use mesh to collect dirt and hair from going down the drain and causing a clog.
Watch where your dog digs
Sewer and water lines should normally be buried deep enough to prevent your dog from digging them up; however, some may be laid just below the surface. An exposed pipe can be ripped, torn, or pierced, causing unwanted leaks and damage. If your dog is a digger, consider having a technician come out to mark where your lines are. This way you have an idea of where to discourage digging.
Mind what you flush
It’s understandable and convenient to flush kitty litter down the toilet; in fact, some packaging says it is flushable! However, no matter what the labeling says, don’t do this. Litter can quickly clog your toilet and require damage control. Generally, avoid flushing anything that is not toilet paper or human waste.
Keep the Toilet Lid Closed
Although letting pets drink from the toilet won’t necessarily damage your pipes, it is a piping system which needs to be pet-proofed in order to keep your pet safe. Although pets may wish to drink the fresh water that is constantly flushed into the bowl, residual bacteria and cleaning chemicals can be unhealthy for your pet. Smaller pets can even fall into the toilet causing a bit of a mess and a wet pet. If you are having troubles keeping them from the toilet, keep their bowls full of fresh water. If that doesn’t work, then keep the lid closed. Keeping the lid closed prevents your pets from being exposed to anything unhealthy and it keeps smaller ones from falling in!
Don’t let your favorite pet inadvertently hurt the bottom line. Keep them, and your budget safe by following our tips. If you do find yourself with plumbing problems, please feel free to call us for help!
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