How to Protect Your Plumbing From Your Pets

Wash Your Pets Outside

Whenever possible, wash your pets outdoors to prevent excess fur, dirt, and loose hair from entering your indoor plumbing. Outdoor baths help keep your pipes free from pet-related debris.

Cover Up Exposed Pipes

Identify and cover any exposed pipes in and around your home. Pets, especially curious puppies and kittens, might chew on or play with pipes, which can lead to damage and potential plumbing issues. Call an experienced plumber to help you cover up exposed pipes.

Don’t Flush Kitty Litter

Even if your kitty litter is advertised as flushable, resist the temptation to flush it down the toilet. Cat litter can clump and cause blockages in the pipes. Dispose of it in a trash bag instead. As a general rule, you should avoid flushing non-flushable items down your toilet. Examples of things you should never flush down the drain include:

• Condoms
• Medications
• Diapers
• Baby wipes
• Feminine hygiene products
• Cotton buds

Make sure Your Pets Always Have Fresh Water

Ensure your pets have access to clean and fresh water at all times. This discourages them from seeking alternative water sources, such as the toilet, which can introduce foreign objects into the plumbing.

Keep Toilet Lids Closed

Keeping toilet lids closed safeguards your pet's well-being. Toilet water may contain harmful residues from cleaning products or bleach, posing a risk of poisoning and severe health issues if ingested by your pet. Keeping the lid closed ensures your pet stays safe from these potential hazards.

Don’t Let Your Dog Dig

Dogs like digging, but this behavior can easily leave you with broken pipes and contaminated water. If your dog digs deep enough, its paws can run into the water and sewer lines below the surface. Here are some tips to help you stop or manage the digging:

• Allocate a specific area in your yard where your dog is allowed to dig.
• Ensure your dog is getting enough exercise and mental stimulation.
• If you catch your dog in the act of digging where they shouldn't, redirect their attention to a more appropriate activity.
• Consider using pet-safe deterrents in the areas where your dog likes to dig.
• Provide your dog with a comfortable and shaded area to lie in.
• Supervise outdoor playtime to prevent digging near plumbing structures.

Need Reliable Plumbing Services? The Expert Plumbers at Sunshine Plumbers Are Here For You

Perhaps you need a skilled plumber to help you pet-proof your plumbing, or maybe you need professional plumbing repairs. No matter what your needs are, the team at Sunshine Plumbers has the expertise and specialized tools to provide you with top-notch plumbing services. From sewer repair to drain cleaning, water line replacement, leak detection, pipe repair, water heater replacement, and gas line repair, our knowledgeable and experienced plumbers can do it all.