Happy National Pet Month! For all of us pet lovers, we know our furry family members are truly a part of the family. But as a homeowner, let’s face it; it’s no secret that pets can be a bit high maintenance in terms of home upkeep. Even the pets that are easiest to look after still need some looking after when it comes to the home. One thing that often flies under the radar is how our beloved furry friends can affect our plumbing system. From those sneaky toilet drinkers to the adventurous outdoor hole diggers, pets can sometimes stir up some messy – and, yeah, pricey – plumbing situations.
Pull up a chair and hang out with your go-to Centerville Plumbing & Drain professionals as we chat about simultaneously keeping your pets and plumbing system safe.
Pet Grooming
Keeping up with regular grooming is key to having clean pets and a home free from pesky parasites like ticks and fleas. But grooming your furry friends can be tough on your plumbing system without proper preventative care.
Bath Time: Washing your pet at home is a great way to fight off those funky smells and keep their coat looking good. Here are some tips to keep bathtime from turning into a plumbing disaster.
- Installing a hand-held showerhead can be a game-changer for bathing your pet. Plus, grabbing an outdoor pet bathtub to use for the warmer months is not a bad idea.
- Pop a drain screen over your tub or shower drain to snag fur and stop it from gumming up your system during your pet’s bathtime. (These gadgets are pretty handy to use all the time, too.)
Brushing: Brushing your pets every day can really cut down on the fur flying around your house and getting into your plumbing. Grab a brush that’s right for your pet’s fur type, and try to do the grooming outside if you can.
- Brushing your pet regularly also cuts down on how much hair will go down the drain on bath days.
- If you’ve got a long-haired furry friend, think about brushing them out twice a week to lessen the amount of loose fur.
Pet Food & Pet Waste Disposal
Pet Food: Remember to never flush dry pet food (kibble) down your kitchen sink with the garbage disposal. Why? Because when it gets wet, it expands and can seriously clog your pipes. Plus, once it dries, it hardens and causes even more trouble. So, the best move is to just chuck any old pet food into the garbage bin, instead.
Kitty Litter: Dealing with pet waste comes with the territory of having a pet. But, the way you get rid of it can really affect your plumbing. A lot of pet owners think flushing kitty litter is the way to go, but that’s not the case. Most kitty litters don’t dissolve in water, which means you could end up with blockages down the line.
Even if kitty litter says it’s “flushable,” it’s best not to flush it if you care about your plumbing. Although it’s made from biodegradable products, it takes ages to break down. So, your system could get extremely clogged with clumps of litter that haven’t yet had the chance to dissolve. Honestly, it’s not worth risking a plumbing nightmare in your home.
Pet Safety Tips
Digging Dilemmas: Pets, especially dogs, often feel the urge to dig. It’s all fun and games in the yard, but remember, if your furry friend starts digging near your home’s foundation or some buried pipes, you could be looking at some real plumbing headaches. Plus, it might not be too safe for your pet, either.
- Promote playtime in pet-specific areas away from the house to keep potential messes to a minimum.
- Keep an eye on your pet’s behavior. If they start digging more than usual, it might be a good idea to have a chat with an animal trainer or behavior specialist to tackle the issue.
Toilet Dilemmas: Seeing your dog drink from the toilet bowl is pretty common in a lot of homes. You might not have thought much about it before (other than it being kind of gross), but this little habit could actually be risky. Products like toilet tabs, toilet bowl stamps, rim hangers, and chemical cleaners are meant to keep your toilet sparkly and smelling good, but they’re packed with harsh chemicals that could be bad news for your pet. Keeping the lid down and maybe even adding a child lock if your pet keeps doing it is a smart move.
Taking care of a pet means juggling lots of tasks, and keeping your house in order is just part of the deal. Spending a bit of time thinking about how your furry friends can affect your plumbing and how to keep them out of harm’s way can save you from expensive fixes and a bunch of stress. Just keep in mind that a bit of prevention can really save the day for both your pet and your plumbing!
Looking for more tips on home and plumbing care? Dive into our other blog posts! If you have a plumbing concern, call Centerville Plumbing & Drain today at (937) 240-0169 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
