We love our furry friends, and work to give them a safe, caring home. However, there is a hidden issue that may pose a serious risk to the health and safety of your pet: the plumbing system. From toxic chemicals to damage and more, it is necessary to take precautions to protect your pipes – and your pets.
Don’t Flush Litter
Even if a package of kitty litter claims that it is flushable, never dispose your cat’s waste down the toilet. The rough texture of litter can wreak havoc on your pipes, causing cracks, leaks, and other damage. While flushing litter down the drain once or twice won’t cause too much damage, repeated flushing over time causes buildup and you will need pipe repair.
Stop Toilet Bowl Drinking
Your cat or dog might decide to dip into the toilet bowl when their water supply runs low. Always keep your pet’s bowl refilled and install locks, weights, or other mechanisms to keep them out of the toilet. While you may keep your bowl clean, the water can contain chemicals from cleaning materials that could be toxic to your pet.
Cover Exposed Pipe
If your pet can easily reach a pipe or wire, there’s a strong risk that it will chew or bite them. Always cover exposed pipes and wires connected to your plumbing. This will protect your pet from sickness and death, and your pipes from expensive repairs.
Safely Store Chemicals
Your pets might be curious if they see fluid around your bathroom sink. Always safely store your cleaning chemicals out of reach and out of sight of your pets and wipe up any spills immediately. If your pet ingests these chemicals, it can become very ill or die.
Cover Drains During Baths
If you bathe your pet in your own tub, always cover your shower drain with a hair catching cover before you begin. Your pet will shed a lot of hair while you’re getting it clean, and you don’t want to clog your shower drain or damage your plumbing.
Want to keep your furry friends safe and healthy in your Santa Cruz home? Mr. Rooter Plumbing can help you make changes to pet-proof your pipes. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our plumbing specialists.