It’s not often that one stops to think about or even associates pets and plumbing. However, if you do have pets, especially indoor pets, it is actually something that does require a second thought and your attention. Because when it comes to sharing your home with your four-legged family members, there are certain precautions that you should be taking to help you avoid a plumbing emergency.
As pet owners, you probably already know to expect the unexpected with, well, anything! The same is true when it comes to pets and plumbing issues. How? Well, you know all of that fur they shed? It has to go somewhere. Does your pet ever get thirsty? We can think of a few unexpected water sources they may try to wrangle into. Do they like to chew? You can bet a pokey little puppy will try to gnaw through exposed pipes if they exist. The bottom line is that there are many ways in which your pet can put strain on your plumbing, so here’s what you need to know:
Bath Time
It’s a healthy practice to keep your pets clean with regular bathing and brushing. But, do beware of where you let all of that unwanted fur go! If you and your furry companions have bath time in the tub or shower, be sure to put a drain strainer down to catch their fur and prevent unwanted clogs. Fur balls should never be left to go down the drain. Dispose of what’s left in the strainer properly, by taking it to the trash can.
Secure Exposed Pipes
Pets, especially young pets, often look for something to chew on, and they will chew on absolutely anything, even your pipes. Chewing is a healthy habit to develop their teeth, but it can be a nightmare plumbing scenario for you if they decide your pipes look like chew toys! To prevent any mishaps, secure any and all exposed pipes (both indoors and outdoors). You can do this by wrapping them or blocking them with heavy objects, like furniture. You may also want to make sure that they have plenty of more appropriate chew toys available.
While you’re securing your pipes, you may also want to secure your drains. We’ve all seen those headlines from time-to-time where a small animal (like a kitten or a hamster) gets trapped in a drain. Though this doesn’t happen too often, it’s best to err on the side of caution, and make sure your little one doesn’t end up on a plumber’s camera searching drain pipes!
Watch What You Flush
You should never flush anything down your toilet other than exactly what is supposed to go down those drains, and that does not include things like kitty litter or animal waste. While there are some pet products and litters that claim to be safe to flush, the truth is that most of those “flushable” products will actually end up harming your plumbing system. Minimally, we’re talking about dirtying your pipes, but on the other end of that spectrum, we’re talking clogs and buildups that can crack pipes. Flushing litter, no matter what kind, is like flushing cement. Pet waste, of any kind, should only go in the garbage.
Put Your Toilet Seat Down
You never know when your pet might get a little thirsty or want to splash around, so always put down that toilet seat! This can be dangerous for both your pet and your plumbing. Just think about all of those chemicals that you clean your toilet with, and if your pet is drinking from that water source, they’re ingesting those harmful chemicals. Always make sure that your pet has easy access to clean drinking water, because believe us, they will go looking for it – no matter where it hides!
By following these pet-friendly plumbing tips, you can keep your pipes running in top condition and avoid some unexpected problems. For more tips and information on how Tritan Plumbing can help you keep your home and loved ones safe, contact us today at 815-515-4062.
