Pets And Plumbing: Protecting Both
Your darling pets offer you lots of love and comfort, but your hairy pals can be hard on your plumbing. Shedding and chewing pets can wreak a lot of havoc in a short period of time. Likewise, your plumbing can be harmful to your pets. As a result, you have to take steps to protect both.
Hair, Hair, and More Hair
If you have a golden retriever, no one has to tell you about the fistfuls of hair that end up in the tub and possibly your drain after you've bathed them. You may not realize how much hair your short-haired pets leave behind. Your black lab's hair can also clog up a drain after a thorough bath, particularly during shedding season. Experts recommend that you use a drain strainer to prevent nasty pet hair clogs. You may think that your long hair is a problem, but what comes off of your head may be nothing in comparison than what your furry pals contribute.
Deep Digging
Shockingly, some of your sewer pipes may only be around 18 inches underground, well within reach of a digging dog. If your pet likes to bury bones, shoes, and your cell phone, they may hit your sewer or water pipes and even break them. That can be an expensive repair. You need to know where your pipes are located and keep an eye on your dog's habits. You can also work to direct your dog's digging to "safe areas" of the yard by burying toys and other tempting treats there.
Open Drains
You also need to protect your pets from your plumbing, particularly open drains. Your large dogs may be safe although they've been known to stick their heads into pretty small spaces. Your smaller dogs, puppies, and cats can certainly get into tiny places. Cats, in particular, can contort and squeeze into almost anything. You need to keep all drain openings covered, no matter how small, so that your babies can't crawl in there or get a paw caught. They can be injured, and you might have to have them cut out of your plumbing.
Your plumbing and your pets often have a dangerous relationship, hurting one another while you are left to pick up and clean up the pieces. Use devices such as drain covers and strainers, and watch where your dogs dig. Taking a few preventative steps can save your pet from injury and your bank account from harm. Contact an emergency plumber if you find yourself with problems.