If you have a pet, you know firsthand how much love and laughter they bring into your lives! But you no doubt also know how much mischief they can cause, as well. And sometimes, their troublemaking extends to your plumbing! Here are some tips to keep you out of trouble when mixing pets and plumbing.
Don’t Leave Your Toilet Seat Up!
For some reason, the toilet bowl is tempting to a lot of dogs and cats, whether they want to drink out of it or just play in the water. If your animal is on the smaller side, there’s always the chance he or she could fall into the toilet and have a hard time getting back out. You also need to consider what cleaning agents you use in your toilet. The chemicals can be harmful to your dog or cat if ingested. So, remember to keep that toilet lid down!
Don’t Flush Cat Litter
Cat litter is high on our list of things you should never flush down the toilet. In fact, even it’s labeled flushable, we advise you not to flush it. The extra solids in flushable litter can take a serious toll on your plumbing systems and clog them. Septic systems, in particular, may not be able to handle kitty litter, whether it’s labeled flushable or not.
Your cat’s litter may also carry harmful bacteria, and flushing it may even be illegal, depending on where you live.
Watch Out For Fur In The Tub
Do you give your pets regular baths? If so, make sure you’re using a drain strainer so fur doesn’t clog your drain! Once the strainer is full, dispose of the fur in the trash. You could also consider bathing your pets outside if that’s a viable alternative!
Secure Your Drains And Your Pipes
We’ve talked a lot about dogs and cats. But if you have smaller animals – guinea pigs, hamsters, mice – they can get easily get trapped in drains. It could even happen if you have a particularly curious kitten!
Pipes can also be a hazard. Again, if you have a small animal, you run the risk of the pet getting trapped behind the pipes. But a more likely scenario is you could have a pet that likes to chew on exposed pipes. This could damage the pipes (especially PVC pipes) and your pet’s teeth. To prevent this, we suggest wrapping the pipes up. If the pipes are outside, try using plywood, then covering with dirt. Chicken wire is another option. If the pipes are inside, you could conceal them by placing furniture, such as a decorative table or bookshelf, in front of them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why shouldn’t I leave the toilet seat up if I have pets?
A: Leaving the toilet seat up can be tempting for pets like dogs and cats who might want to drink or play in the water. However, this can expose them to harmful cleaning chemicals and bacteria. Smaller pets also risk falling in and struggling to get out.
Q: What’s the big deal about flushing cat litter?
A: Even if the cat litter is labeled as “flushable,” it can still cause clogs in your plumbing system. Additionally, flushing cat litter may introduce harmful bacteria into the water supply and could even be illegal in some areas.
Q: How can I prevent fur from clogging my drains during pet baths?
A: To prevent fur from clogging your drains, it’s advisable to use a drain strainer during pet baths. Once the strainer is full, dispose of the fur in the trash rather than flushing it down the drain.
Q: How can I protect my smaller pets like guinea pigs or hamsters from getting trapped in drains?
A: For homes with smaller pets, it’s crucial to secure your drains to prevent them from getting trapped. Consider using drain covers or grates to keep your little critters safe.
Q: My pet likes to chew on exposed pipes. What should I do?
A: Chewing on exposed pipes can damage both the pipes and your pet’s teeth. To prevent this, consider wrapping the pipes with protective material or placing furniture in front of them to keep them out of reach.
