Pets are wonderful companions that always find their way into our hearts, so much so that they become “one of the family.” But unlike the rest of the family, our pets, especially our furry pets, bring a set of plumbing challenges that we should all be aware of, here are some simple pet owner plumbing tips:
- Hair & Fur: Dogs and cats are constantly shedding, it may not look like it but they are. So whenever you give your pet a bath, be sure to put a strainer over the drain to keep all that fuzzy stuff from getting into your drains. A lot of hair & fur in the drain can contribute to smelly drains, slow drains and drain backups…just like human hair does.
- Flushable Cat Litter: Don’t do it!! Yes, flushable cat litter will flush down the toilet, but once it gets into your drains and sewers it does not dissolve and can contribute to a flooded basement. (NEVER, NEVER flush it if you have a septic tank, you’ll eventually have to pay to get it pumped out of your tank!!) It’s best to scoop up used litter, place in a plastic bag and toss in the trash.
- Pets Like To Chew & Investigate: Be sure exposed pipes and electrical lines are protected so pets can’t get into trouble chewing on them. You’d be surprised how many times pets have caused water-related emergencies by chewing up pipes or electrical connections to sump pumps or water softeners. Pets love to investigate, so always be sure that all drain covers are properly secured so your pets can’t get into the drain; finding their way into your drain or sewer pipe can be fatal.
- Water: Pets need fresh water constantly, just like we do. Be sure to check the water level at least twice a day, and remember to wash their water bowl on a regular basis. You wouldn’t want to drink out of a dirty glass, it’s best for your pet’s health if they don’t either.
These simple tips will let you spend more time loving your furry friend and less time dealing with pet-related plumbing emergencies.
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