Pets are cherished family members, offering companionship, joy, and unconditional love. However, owning pets comes with unexpected challenges—especially when it comes to plumbing. From clogged drains filled with pet hair to curious animals exploring exposed pipes, maintaining a pet-friendly home means protecting your plumbing system and furry companions.
Use the following guide to create a safe, pet-friendly home and avoid costly plumbing repairs due to mischievous pets.
Protect Exposed Pipes
Curious pets, especially puppies and kittens, may chew on exposed pipes or view them as playthings. This can lead to plumbing damage, choking, or accidents. Some easy ways to keep your pipes safe include:
- Wrap pipes. Wrapping exposed pipes with foam insulation or plastic covers can prevent pets from chewing on them. This protects your plumbing and hides toilet water lines, helping pets avoid injuries caused by sharp edges or harmful materials.
Use durable pipe covers that resist chewing and secure them with duct tape or zip ties. Also, consider rerouting dishwasher and washing machine hoses to keep them out of your pets’ reach.
- Keep pets away from risky areas. When unsupervised, use pet gates or close the doors to keep pets away from accessible pipe areas.
- Hide pipes behind the toilet. Exposed pipes behind toilets are tempting for curious pets. Installing a cabinet around the pipes can conceal them, reducing the risk of damage while adding storage space. Decorative pipe covers are another stylish solution that blends functionality with aesthetics.
- Conceal under-sink pipes. Open pipes beneath sinks are another hotspot for mischief. Install cabinets or use sink skirts to hide pipes under the sink or block access. You can also try creative DIY solutions such as braided rope wraps or shelving units as toilet and plumbing covers while improving your décor.
Use Drain Covers to Prevent Clogs
After toys and paper, hair is one of the leading causes of pipe obstructions. Whether long or short-haired, pets shed during bathtime, leading to severe clogs. Prevent blockages with these simple steps:
- Install drain covers. Drain strainers are affordable, easy to use, and effective at catching pet hair before it enters your plumbing system. Select covers that fit snugly over your sink or tub drains, and opt for heavy-duty models for larger pets.
- Clean covers regularly: After each pet bath, remove and clean the drain cover to prevent hair from accumulating and causing deeper clogs.
- Groom your pet before the bath: Brushing your dog regularly helps remove dead hair that builds up in drains. You can also use a grooming mitt or rubber curry comb to remove loose hair, detangle their coat, and prevent breakage.
- Bathe your pet outdoors: Prevent pet hair from going into your tub drains in the first place by bathing your pets outdoors. Use a tub with a built-in drain for easy emptying, and wash and rinse your pet with the garden hose and biodegradable shampoo to avoid damaging your garden.
Dispose of Pet Waste Properly
Flushing pet waste—even products like cat litter—can damage your plumbing system. The best ways to dispose of pet waste are:
- Trash litter, don’t flush it. Cat litter expands in water and can harden inside pipes, causing major blockages. Always dispose of litter in a trash can rather than flushing it.
- Remove litter blockages. If litter accidentally enters your plumbing, use a wet/dry vacuum to extract it rather than chemical solutions, which can solidify the litter inside your pipes.
- Properly dispose of tank water. If you have fish or other aquatic pets, avoid dumping aquarium water containing algae, chemicals, or waste down the drain. Instead, dispose of it in a garden area where it won’t harm the environment or your plumbing.
Provide Safe Drinking Water
Pets, particularly dogs, need to drink at least one ounce of water per pound of body weight a day. But if fresh, clean water isn’t readily available, pets look for toilets or sinks for water. Prevent this by ensuring your pets always have access to safe drinking water.
- Invest in pet water fountains. Continuous-flow water fountains provide fresh water, encouraging hydration while keeping pets away from plumbing fixtures.
- Use multiple water bowls. Strategically place bowls throughout your home to ensure pets can easily access clean water wherever they roam.
Regulate Water Temperature During Baths
Bathing your pet in water that is too hot or too cold can be harmful and stressful, causing burns and skin irritation. Sudden temperature changes due to inconsistent water pressure can pose serious risks like overheating, hyperthermia, and circulatory issues. Make sure your pet’s bath water is a safe temperature using the following tips:
- Install a pressure-balancing valve. This device ensures steady water pressure and temperature, preventing sudden surges that could harm your pet.
- Test the water temperature. Always check the water temperature before bathing your pet. The ideal temperature is between 90 and 98°F. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your pet. Invest in a bath thermometer for a more accurate temperature assessment.
- Adjust your water heater. Set your water heater to 120°F to minimize the risk of burns.
Keep Cleaning Supplies Out of Reach
Pets are naturally curious; cleaning products can pose serious risks if ingested. Drain cleaners and other harsh chemicals are hazardous and can damage plumbing if misused.
- Store safely. Keep drain cleaners and other hazardous chemicals in locked or high cabinets your pets cannot access.
- Choose pet-safe products. Buy non-toxic, pet-friendly cleaning solutions to protect your pets and plumbing if possible. Try using enzymatic or bacterial drain cleaners. These products safely and effectively break down organic matter like pet hair.
Prevent Damage to Outdoor Plumbing
Dogs that enjoy digging can accidentally damage underground pipes, sprinkler systems, or other outdoor plumbing features.
- Train pets to avoid digging. Redirect your dog’s digging behavior by providing designated play areas or sandboxes.
- Mark underground plumbing. Flags or markers can help identify areas with buried plumbing and prevent accidental damage during outdoor play.
Know When to Call a Professional
Despite your best efforts, plumbing issues can still occur. Knowing when to call a plumber for dog and cat-related issues can save time and prevent further damage. If any of the following issues keep happening, it is time to book a service with a professional plumber:
- Persistent clogs. If clogs persist despite your preventative measures, professional tools like an auger or hydro jet may be necessary to get cat litter out of a drain.
- Chewed or damaged pipes. If your pet damages pipes through chewing or digging, a plumber can assess the extent of the damage and make repairs or replace the affected section of piping.
- Water heater issues: Fluctuating water temperatures during baths might indicate a problem with your water heater. Call a plumber to check for problems with the thermostat, heating element, or anode rod wear. These common issues can cause your water heater not to heat water properly.
Create a Safe, Pet-Friendly Plumbing System
Maintaining a pet-friendly home involves balancing your furry companions’ needs with the demands of a functional plumbing system. With preventative measures like securing exposed pipes, using drain covers, and adopting responsible pet care practices, you can protect your plumbing while ensuring a safe, comfortable environment for your pets.
When in doubt, consult a professional plumber who understands pet-related challenges. Whether it’s a dog-friendly plumber familiar with canine behaviors or a plumber experienced with cats, these specialists can offer tailored solutions to pet-proof your home.
