As a new homeowner, I can tell you that things aren't always as simple as they appear. I started thinking about it a few years ago, and I realized that there were some serious problems with our plumbing system. We had issues with drains working correctly and toilets flushing like they should, so I started focusing more heavily on understanding the basics of our plumbing system. Within a few short months the entire system was operating more fluidly because of a few changes that I made, so I wanted to create a blog all about my journey. Check out these articles to learn more about the plumbing basics.
Understanding Plumbing Basics
How To Help Your Pets Coexist With Your Household Plumbing
Jorge Alexander
If you own a cat or dog, you may not be familiar with the impact that animals and plumbing have on one another. From the additional hair that you find in the drain to the cats drinking out of and playing in the toilets, pet owners may find themselves rather surprised by how frequently their pets can cause an incident in the house that requires the help of a plumber. Keep reading to learning a few things you can do to minimize or completely avoid pet-related plumbing problems in the house.
Use Traps in the Drains
If you have a pet, then you are already familiar with how their hair gets absolutely everywhere, which includes tubs and sinks where you bathe your pets. Unfortunately, this ends up clogging the drains and creates significant problems with your plumbing system. However, you use a trap that will catch hair in the sinks, tubs, and showers that your dog or cat spends significant time in. Keep in mind that the trap will require routine cleaning to ensure that the hair is removed from it.
Repair Leaks
A lot of cats tend to be lured toward dripping faucets. However, as felines drink from the faucet, they will also lap up any cleaners and soaps that have been used on the faucet. So, it is imperative that the leak is fixed as soon as possible so that the temptation is removed and the cat's health is protected.
Watch Digging Dogs
If your canine enjoys digging while outside, make sure to keep an eye out for where they prefer to dig. More often than not, the sewer and water pipes are buried just beneath the surface, and if your dog keeps digging, they may end up damaging the pipes. By watching where your dog is digging, you can keep from having to contact a plumbing professional for emergency repairs.
Avoid Flushing Cat Litter
Cat litter is specifically designed to be incredibly absorbent. When cat litter and water make contact with one another, the cat litter will end up soaking up the moisture and expanding. This will end up clogging up the toilet, pipes, and likely even the septic system. While the little may read flushable on the package, make sure you throw it in the garbage anyway.
It is possible for pets and plumbing to coexist, especially with the aforementioned tips. For more information or if you run into problems, contact a plumbing contractor in your area.
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