Though we love and cherish our pets, they do come with some high-maintenance needs that must be addressed. Cat litter, pet hair and dirt can all have an effect on your home, as well as on your plumbing.
If you want to keep your pets and your plumbing safe, check out these five simple ways to pet-proof your plumbing.
Cover Your Drains for Grooming
The most common of pet plumbing problems is clogged drains and clogged pipes. Dogs and cats have thick, coarse hair that sheds quite a bit, which can quickly build up inside your pipes.
If you’re giving your pet a bath, you can avoid pet hair clogs by blocking or covering the drain to keep thick hair from ending up there.
Keep Your Toilet Seat Down
It’s common for dogs or cats to drink from the toilet, which is not only unsanitary for you, but it can also be dangerous for them. Toilet cleaners often use strong chemicals that leave a hazardous residue behind, which can cause health problems if it’s ingested by your pet. You can avoid this by keeping your toilet seat down or even closing the bathroom door to restrict their access.
Don’t Flush Cat Litter
Though many cat litter brands say “flushable,” they’re designed to clump and can still build up in your toilet pipes over time, causing slow flushing or serious clogs that require major repairs. If you want to avoid issues with your toilet’s plumbing, avoid flushing anything but waste and toilet paper, regardless of whether it says “flushable.”
Avoid Dogs Digging
Dogs digging in the yard is an issue for the aesthetics of your home, but deep digging can cause potential plumbing problems. Depending on where your dog digs, sewer or water lines may be accessible, which can be damaged by your dog’s digging. If your dog enjoys digging, try to keep them from digging near your sewer and water lines by blocking the area from their reach.
Install Pressure Balancing Valves
In some cases, water flowing from the shower or faucet can turn scalding hot in a split second, which can cause discomfort or burns. If you’re bathing your pet, having inconsistent water temperatures can not only put them at risk, but it may also be enough to make it a negative experience that causes them anxiety when being bathed in the future. By installing pressure balancing valves, you won’t need to worry about sudden and unexpected temperature or pressure changes.
Get Help From Village Plumbing
These tips should help you protect your plumbing and your pet in the future, but if you’re already dealing with pet plumbing problems in Las Vegas or Henderson, Village Plumbing can help. Whether you’re dealing with clogged drains and clogged pipes or a more significant plumbing problem, our highly trained staff of professionals can tackle the repair and get your home back to normal in no time. Contact us today to learn more about our plumbing services and to schedule your service appointment!
