Happy National Pet Month! It’s probably safe to say we all love our pets and consider them part of our family. However, as homeowners, we’re aware that they can be somewhat high maintenance. Truth be told, even pets that don’t require much care still need some attention to keep the house in order. One often overlooked aspect of pet care is how our pets can affect our plumbing systems. Whether your pet is drinking from the toilet or digging holes, it can cause plumbing problems that may be messy and expensive to fix, not to mention that it can also lead to unsafe scenarios for your furry family member.
Join your Bellbrook Plumbing & Drain specialists as we discuss how to keep your pets and your plumbing system safe.
One: Pet Grooming
Regular grooming keeps your pets and home clean and prevents parasites like ticks and fleas from taking over. Yet, grooming can definitely challenge your plumbing system. Here are some tips to help alleviate the load.
Bath Time: Washing your pet at home helps control odors and keeps their coat healthy. Use these tips to prevent plumbing problems during bath time.
- Install a hand-held showerhead to simplify pet bathing. You can also consider an outdoor pet bathtub for use during the warmer months.
- Place a drain screen over your tub or shower drain to catch fur and prevent clogs. (It’s a handy tool to use regularly.)
Brushing: Brushing your pets every day can greatly cut down on shedding and the buildup of hair in your home, including your plumbing. Be sure to choose a brush that matches your pet’s hair type, and try to groom them outside if you can.
- Brushing your pet regularly helps to lessen the hair during the bathing process and reduces the risk of hairballs and blockages.
- If you have a long-haired pet, aim to brush their coat at least twice a week.
By keeping up with grooming and using these easy methods, you can significantly reduce the amount of pet hair going down your drains during bathtime.
Two: Pet & Food Waste Disposal
Pet Food: Remember, never flush dry pet food (kibble) down the kitchen sink or garbage disposal. It expands when wet, potentially causing serious clogs in your pipes. Plus, once it dries, it hardens and can cause bigger issues. It is best to throw old pet food in the trash bin instead.
Kitty Litter: Pet waste comes with owning a pet, but disposing of it matters a lot for your plumbing. Flushing kitty litter might seem smart, but it’s actually a bad idea. Most kitty litters don’t dissolve in water, which can cause blockages over time.
Even if kitty litter is labeled “flushable,” don’t flush it to protect your plumbing. Flushable litter may be biodegradable, but it takes a long time to break down. Until it does, it can clog your system with undissolved clumps. It’s not worth the risk of damaging your plumbing and dealing with potential messes at home.
Three: Pet Safety Tips
The Risks of Digging: Pets, particularly dogs, often feel the need to dig outside. It might seem harmless when they do it in the yard, but remember, if they dig close to your home’s foundation or near buried pipes, it can cause significant plumbing issues and might even be dangerous for your pet.
- Direct play to specific pet areas far from the house to reduce possible damage.
- Keep an eye on your pet’s behavior. If they start digging more than usual, it’s a good idea to talk to an animal trainer or behavioral specialist for advice.
The Risk of Dogs Drinking from Toilets: It’s common to see dogs drink from toilet bowls in many households. This might seem harmless (and a little gross). However, it can actually be quite risky for your pet. Items like toilet cleaners, rim hangers, and other chemical products help keep the toilet clean but can harm your pet if ingested. To prevent this, it’s wise to keep the toilet lid closed and consider a child lock for extra persistent pets.
Taking care of a pet means you’ve got a lot to think about, including the safety of your pet as well as upholding the integrity of your plumbing system. Paying attention to how your pets affect your plumbing and keeping them safe can save you from expensive fixes and stress. Just keep in mind, preventing problems before they start is the best way to protect your pet and your home!
Check out our blog for more tips on home and plumbing care! If you have questions or need to schedule a plumbing service, contact Bellbrook Plumbing & Drain today at (937) 240-3731 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!