If you have any pets, whether large or small, you know they can damage various things in your home if you’re not careful. Our master plumbers in Laguna Niguel will tell you that pipes and fixtures are no exceptions to this rule. However, many homeowners are unaware of how to “pet proof” their plumbing. Fortunately, it is not as difficult as it may at first seem. The following are seven ways to protect your plumbing and avoid costly repairs:
Take Bath Time Precautions
Fur and mud are a deadly combination for your plumbing system. For this reason, when it is time to bathe your dog, “pre-rinse” your furry friend while you are still outdoors in order to eliminate the worst of the muck. If washing your dog outside is not a viable option, at least wipe or rinse your pooch prior to placing him or her in the bathtub. You can also use a strainer or drain stopper to catch leftover grime, mud and hair.
Cover Exposed Pipes
Similar to children, pets are very curious. Dogs and cats love to pry open cabinet doors to find new and interesting things to chew on. Because you do not want their newest toy to be your plumbing system, cover up any exposed pipes or wires to prevent a costly trip to the vet or an expensive service call from a professional.
Store Chemicals out of Reach
If you have children, you likely have all your cleaning formulas already stored out of reach. If not, it is time to think of your pets as children, as they could make themselves extremely sick if they partake of these non-food substances. For instance, cats have a tendency to scrape their faces against inflexible items, and they could inadvertently get cleaner residue near their eyes if they push their face along the top of a bottle of bleach or other cleaning agent. Always keep these substances on high shelves or locked away in a cabinet.
Cover Floor Drains
If you have small animals, such as hamsters or a tiny puppy or kitten, be aware that they can easily fall into floor drains. If this happens, retrieving your pet unharmed can be a costly undertaking. Make sure all drains in your home are securely covered to avoid such an accident. Our plumbers in Laguna Niguel can give you tips on how to do this effectively if you are unsure.
Hazards of Digging
Even though dogs are born to dig, this habit can lead to problems in your underground piping system, as certain water and sewer lines are a mere 18 inches beneath the ground. Any large dog can eventually tackle such a digging excursion and quickly find exposed pipes. At this point, damage can quickly occur, and costly repairs may be necessary. For this reason, it is wise to contact the appropriate person or office to determine exactly where your pipes are, and subsequently make sure Rover is trained not to dig in those areas.
Never Flush Cat Litter
Although numerous cat litter commercials claim their products are flushable, many companies also made those claims about “flushable wipes,” the latter of which caused many homeowners problems in the past. Never flush cat litter, as it builds up over time and can clog and clump and eventually damage your plumbing system. Flush only waste and toilet paper and you shouldn’t have any problems.
Sometimes, despite all your preventative planning, your family pet may cause a plumbing problem. If this is the case, contact one of our plumbers in Laguna Niguel who can quickly remedy the situation and get your system back in top-notch working order.