Newcomers to pet ownership need to pet-proof their homes to provide a safe, worry-less space for their new family members to roam. This could include conducting a household plumbing inspection to eliminate health and safety hazards. Below are four plumbing tips that homeowners are recommended to follow:
- Flushable litter isn’t flushable
Even kitty litter that is advertised as flushable isn’t flushable. It will wash down, but in the pipes it can solidify into an obstruction. A rooter service provider might need to break through with a toilet auger, a quick fix but a fix nonetheless that takes time and costs money. Additionally, don’t wash pet waste down the toilet. Even if the waste is free of litter, don’t drop it in the toilet.
As for pet waste, your local disposal policies might vary from others regarding dog poop. The EPA states that dog poop can safely be flushed down, as it isn’t much different from human waste. If your local policies permit flushing dog waste, and you use a public sewer instead of a septic tank, you can do so. However, cat waste should never be flushed, as it might contain a parasite that infects humans and animals alike.
- Keep your toilet lid closed when not in use
Not only is a closed toilet lid common courtesy and a health measure to prevent bacteria from splashing out during a flush, it prevents your pet from getting inside. Dogs might stick their muzzles in and lap up the water. Cats might stick in their paws, which could be coated in litter, and lead to a clog. Additionally, if treating your toilet with cleaners, the lid should be shut to prevent poisoning your pets.
- Use hair catchers in your tub
If you wash or groom your dogs at home, invest in a hair catcher or drain strainer. Regardless if your dog doesn’t shed much or is non-shedding, hair will wash off. Like human hair, fur can knot together in pipes and catch other debris that washes down. If you use the tub often, the knot can quickly grow, cause a backup, and require residential plumbing services. Hair catches require a little maintenance, but nothing worse than what you’ll need if your plumbing clogs up. Keeping your drains open in general is a bad habit that will damage your sink, shower, and toilet pipes.
- Hide exposed drains and pipes
Pets like to play, and exposed plumbing can be enticing. Teething puppies might find your pipes a fun challenge to chew, and wandering kittens might get stuck in open drains. Cover floor drains with rugs to deter curious pets. Your residential plumber can also install drain covers and wrap exposed pipes.
Schedule a household plumbing inspection with Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating
Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating provides quick household plumbing inspections. We’ll run through your plumbing system and make suggestions for optimizing your water flow and reducing your likelihood of emergency fixes, including those relating to your pets. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292 for 24/7 residential plumbing services.