According to a recent survey by the American Pet Product Association, around 68% of the households in the US have a pet, which amounts to almost a hundred million households. If that is the case, imagine the potential problems these pets can create in the house, especially for the plumbing fixtures.
Pets are like children. They are curious and eager to know what is hidden in small, dark, crawl spaces. The adventurous tiny creatures can fall into the toilet or can chew up your gas line with their adorable but sharp teeth. They can dig up and scratch the accessible pipes in your backyard. The potential of damage to plumbing fixtures is immense. So here are a few ways to pet-proof your plumbing fixtures.
Protect Your Drains
It is normal for most pets to shed hair and drag in mud. Since pets spend some of their time outdoors, their hairy skin attracts and accumulates dirt and mud. Most of it can come off during bath time. If you own a pet make sure you protect your drains because the dirt and hair can clog your pipes and drains. Animal fur tends to be thicker and coarser compared to human hair. Therefore it can lead to a buildup in your pipes which can clog the drains.
One of the best ways to protect your drains from animal hair and mud is to use a drain stopper or a removable drain guard. This will help in stopping animal hair from going down the drain. Alternatively if the weather is warmer, you can clean your pets outdoors. In case you already have a clogged drain due to animal hair, do not try DIY techniques. Instead, contact a professional plumber. They will not only offer a solution to your problem, but will also guide on how to pet-proof your home.
Keep Toilet Lids Close
No matter how full their water bowls are, pets will ultimately stick their little faces into the toilet to quench their thirst. Though pets getting into the toilet does not cause any damage to your plumbing fixtures but it can increase the risk of getting exposed to hazardous chemicals. Since most toilet cleaners have strong chemicals, when a pet jumps into the toilet, it is being exposed to the chemicals. At the same time, it increases the risk of exposure of family members to the harmful chemicals. One of the best ways to prevent adventurous pets from getting into the toilet is by keeping the lids close.
Dispose Litter Properly
Cat litter is usually considered as flush-able. However, when flushed, it can cause serious clogs in your drains. A better way to dispose cat litter is to use a double lined bag or you can use two bags together. Empty the litter box in a bag and place it in to another one. Tie up the bags tightly and dispose it as trash outside the home.
If you have already disposed cat litter in your toilet and are having a clogged toilet, you should immediately contact a professional plumber to fix this problem.
Cover Exposed Pipes
Just like children, pets are curious to find out what is hidden in the cabinets, crawl spaces, or in the attic. They can get into these tiny spaces and may end up chewing or scratching the pipes and wires. This can be a potentially dangerous situation, not only for the pet but also for your home.
If your pet bites the water pipe under your sink, this can lead to leakage or pipe burst. Similarly, if your pet damages the gas line, it can be a very risky situation for the entire house. To prevent these dangerous situations, you should cover all exposed pipes and wires. You can try and conceal the pipes yourself, but when done professionally, it provides complete protection to your entire home. All professional plumbers can conceal the pipes and wires and pet-proof your home.
Watch Where the Dog Digs
Dogs have a predatory instinct to dig. They do so either in search of food or to hide food. Since this is an innate instinct, even pet dogs have a habit of digging. When in the yard, it is a common practice for dogs to dig. This not only spoils the look of your yard but can also lead to a dangerous plumbing situation. Although sewer and water lines in residential areas are buried deep underground, in some areas, they can be found as shallow as 18 inches below the surface.
If your pet dog is a digger, it is best to contact a local plumber. They can locate the sewer and water lines in your yard. This is a precautionary measure which will allow you to know where your pet should or should not dig. This can help you prevent a disaster in your yard.
Your Solution
Most of the problems to the plumbing fixtures caused by pets are preventable. But if you are experiencing any plumbing problems due to pet, call professionals from Mesa Plumbing Company. We offer solutions to all your plumbing problems. With an experience of 40 years and a team of qualified and experienced plumbers, we can provide all sort of residential plumbing support. Whether your drain is clogged from animal waste or hair or your gas line has been damaged by your favorite puppy, our professional staff is available 24/7 to help identify and solve all your plumbing problems. To know more about our services, visit our website or call now at 480-832-1660.