As a pet owner, the joy and companionship that our furry friends provide us with is unparalleled. But just as wet pet-proof our homes to avoid chewed-up shoes or furniture, it is equally essential to safeguard our plumbing systems. When you need a James Island plumber, trust the professionals at Smoak’s Comfort Control.
Pet owners must be mindful of our pets and their unique challenges to our plumbing systems. Here at Smoak’s Comfort Control, we’re here to explain some plumbing tips that can help prevent plumbing mishaps from occurring and ensuring the well-being of our beloved animals.
Understanding Plumbing Concerns for Pet Owners
Pets bring happiness, but they also come with a certain level of responsibility, which extends to our plumbing system.
Pets shed hair that can clog drains, and curious animals may cause damage to exposed pipes or play in toilet water if toilet lids are not kept closed. The added safety concern is ensuring the water heater temperature is safe for your furry friends.
By understanding these potential issues, you can take steps to protect both your home’s plumbing systems and your pets. Here are some pet owner’s plumbing tips for your pet.
Set a Safe Water Temperature
Some of our pets, especially the curious ones, may accidentally turn the hot water faucet on and burn themselves. To prevent accidents like these, pet owners should have their water heater temperature set to a safe level around 120°.
This will ensure that even if your furry friend spends time exploring the floor drains, the tub, or the sink, they won’t risk being burned by boiling water.
Remember to apply the same principle to your outdoor faucets, especially if your pets enjoy running water and playing with the water spray.
Installing Drain Covers and Strainers: The First Line of Defense Against Clogs
Pet hair is a common cause of clogged drains in a pet owner’s home. Along with human hair and other debris, pet hair can quickly accumulate, blocking your plumbing lines and causing issues. Investing in drain covers to prevent fur, pet hair, and other debris from clogging your drains.
Installing drain strainers in your bathtub and sink can be a game-changer. They capture hair and soap, scum, dirt, and other debris, saving your drains from blockages. Filters are easy to clean and maintain, making them a worthy investment for any pet owner.
Ensure to clean the filters regularly, especially after pet baths, as accumulated hair can become a breeding ground for bacteria, affecting you and your pet’s health.
Bath Time: Pet Owner Plumbing Tips
Wash your pets outside using a designated pet washing area or a portable pet bathtub. This helps to minimize the risk of your plumbing system getting clogged with pet hair and dirt. If you must wash your pets indoors, you can cover the drain with a drain stopper or a washcloth during bath time. This also helps to catch any loose fur, preventing it from going down the drain.
Also, remember to keep bathroom doors closed. An open bathroom door may tempt your pet to explore the toilet water bowl or chew on exposed piping, leading to potential plumbing problems.
It’s also helpful to keep cabinet doors closed as well. Pets, especially smaller breed dogs, and cats may wander into the bathroom and kitchen cabinets and dislodge the pipes underneath the sinks.
Protecting Your Plumbing During Cold Weather
In James Island, SC, we experience the occasional cold snaps and cold temperatures during the winter months. These cold spells can cause severe damage to your exposed pipes by freezing and bursting them. Consider insulating them with pipe sleeves or wrapping exposed pipes in heat tape to keep them from freezing. This preventative measure will help avoid costly plumbing repairs and potential water damage.
Additionally, any outdoor hoses should be drained and stored indoors to prevent them from freezing and cracking.
Consider installing slow-closing toilet lids. They reduce the chance of injury to your pets and avoid startling them with sudden loud noises, which might lead to stress or behavioral issues.
Keep Toilet Lids Closed: A Simple Trick to Protect Your Plumbing
Pets, especially cats are known to have a fascination with toilet water. This is unsanitary for your pets and can lead to plumbing issues if items like cat litter end up in the toilet bowl. Ensure you keep the toilet lid closed even when not in use to prevent pets from accessing it.
And speaking of cat litter, even though some kitty litter brands claim to be flushable, avoid flushing pet waste or litter down the toilet. Unlike human waste, cat litter doesn’t disintegrate in water and can cause blockages in your sewage lines.
Flush Water and Pet Safety
To discourage pets from drinking toilet water, ensure they always have access to fresh water.
If your pet persists in drinking from the toilet despite having access to fresh water, this might indicate that their water dish needs to be bigger or in a high-traffic area where they feel uncomfortable drinking.
By making fresh water readily available, your pets will be less likely to drink from faucets, toilets, or other accessible drains, which can lead to damage or contamination of your plumbing system.
Regular Leak Checks and Plumbing Maintenance
As a proactive pet owner, checking for leaks on a regular basis is crucial. Look for signs of plumbing problems like water stains, damp spots, or must odors around walls, floors, or ceilings. Detecting leaks early can save you from extensive water damage, costly plumbing repairs, and unexpectedly high-water bills.
Consider scheduling regular plumbing maintenance with a professional plumber to keep your system in top condition. They can inspect your pipes, drains, fixtures, and water heater, identifying and addressing any potential issues before they become serious.
It is essential to inspect areas of your home where your pets spend most of their time, as these areas are most likely to suffer from pet-related plumbing issues.
The Perils of Chemical Drain Cleaners
A clogged drain can be frustrating, but avoiding reaching for a chemical drain cleaner is crucial. These harsh chemicals can corrode your pipes over time, leading to even more plumbing issues. Instead, opt for natural alternatives like baking soda and vinegar or use a plumbing snake to clear minor clogs.
Making Your Home Safe for You and Your Pets
By implementing these practical plumbing tips for pet owners, you can maintain a smooth-running system and create a safe environment for your beloved pets. Remember, a little proactive effort goes a long way in preventing costly repairs and ensuring the comfort and happiness of both you and your furry companions.
Your pet’s well-being is integral to your peace of mind as a pet owner. And keeping your pets safe from plumbing mishaps is just as crucial as keeping them safe from other household dangers. Stay vigilant and continue to learn more pet owner plumbing tips, and the pet ownership journey will be smooth sailing!
Remember, it’s not just about preventing hair clogs and closing toilet lids. It’s about creating a safe and comfortable home for our furry friends where they, and we, can thrive without the worry of potential plumbing disasters.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment for plumbing repair in James Island and the surrounding areas!