Pet-Proofing Your Plumbing


We all love our fur babies. They’re part of the family, after all. However, every pet owner knows their furry friends come with some unique challenges. Hair, unexpected messes and chewed up household items are all part of the pet experience. Yet, one aspect of your home you might be overlooking is your plumbing. We’re not just talking about dogs drinking from the toilet or your cat jumping in the shower. Let’s explore some ways to make your pets more plumbing-friendly.

Wash Your Pets Outside

If your pet sheds, you know that hair gets just about everywhere. It should come as no surprise then that a lot of that hair can wind up in your drains. In addition to hair, all of that mud and grime your pet’s acquired can jam up your plumbing. When giving your pet a bath, avoid more hair clogging up your pipes by washing them off outside or in a portable tub you can dump out somewhere else.

If you must wash your pet in the tub, invest in a good drain protector. It might be gross, but your pipes will thank you. Bathtime might not be your pet’s favorite activity, but you can at least get through it knowing your plumbing is safe.

Don’t Flush Kitty Litter or Cleaning Supplies

When it comes to all of the fun messes your pets leave behind, it’s never a good idea to flush them down the toilet. Many people incorrectly prefer this option because it won’t stink up the trash can, but it will ultimately do more damage in the long run. Things like paper towels or cleaning wipes can clog your toilet, as can the pet hair that will undoubtedly accompany them.

Another big flushing no-no is kitty litter. Many brands may claim to be flushable, but they will ultimately clog over time. It may seem convenient at the time, but you’ll be in for quite the headache later when your toilet won’t flush.

Don’t Let Your Dogs Dig

This is easier said than done for many breeds, but the fact remains that enthusiastic digging could lead to major plumbing issues. Water and sewer are sometimes buried as shallow as 1½ feet below ground. If your pup is a fan of subterranean exploration, he or she might accidentally damage one of these pipes. Identify where your sewer and/or water lines are and do your best to keep your dog away from these areas. If you’ve already experienced this, it might be time to look into our excavation services.

Happy Pets, Happy Plumbing, Happy Homeowner

With a little planning and a lot of patience, you can pet-proof your plumbing and ensure a happy environment for human and animal alike. If you’re thinking hindsight is 20/20, no worries! Terry’s Plumbing offer tons of services and products to get your house in order once more. Contact us today to learn more.