Most people don’t readily think about their plumbing system in association with their pets, but pets, pipes, and plumbing supplies don’t always make for the best connections. Keeping both your pets and your plumbing system safe is a matter of taking some important precautions. Covenant Plumbing serves Normal, IL, with a full range of plumbing services. Our plumbers can tackle any plumbing problems, but there are some that could have been prevented. If you need a plumber near me in Normal, call us. Here are some tips to maintain your plumbing system and keep your pets safe from harm.
Kitty Litter: Don’t Flush It
Your plumbing system is an asset. It actually supports the value of your home and, of course, your household relies on it to operate smoothly. Kitty litter simply isn’t meant to go down your toilet. Even if it doesn’t clog the toilet, it could get lodged somewhere in the drain and cause a serious clog somewhere in the line. These clogs can be difficult to dislodge and a serious clog can even weaken your pipes and cause them to leak.
Some kitty litter products may be marketed as flushable, but it’s best to avoid flushing these products too. If you have a septic system, flushable kitty litter may not get broken down well enough to move smoothly through the septic system. Moreover, flushable kitty litter isn’t environmentally safe. Each year, there are 36,000 instances when municipal sewer systems are overwhelmed. That means wastewater is exposed to the surrounding environment. Kitty litter can contain harmful bacteria that should not be introduced to groundwater or waterways.
It’s better to play it safe where kitty litter is concerned and dispose of it another way–not down your toilet. If you suspect that you have a drain clog caused by kitty litter, you’ll need a plumber near me in Normal to handle the situation. Don’t attempt to unclog a serious drain clog using commercial problems or you could make the issue worse. Let Covenant Plumbing inspect your drain and do the unclogging for you.
Cover Your Exposed Pipes
If you have a puppy or cat that’s prone to chewing, you need to protect your exposed pipes, especially if they are made from PVC. Other common pets like rabbits or ferrets can also damage exposed pipes. If your pet’s chewing causes a leak, it can be quite severe–and you might not be home when it happens. The result can be a pricey repair that involves major property damage. Water that gushes from a broken pipe can ruin flooring and drywall. Be sure that you keep your pets away from any exposed pipes or cover the pipes to protect them.
Bath Time
Most people don’t think twice about hoisting their dog into a utility tub or bathtub to give it a bath, but dog baths can lead to plumbing clogs. If your dog is muddy and you decide to give it a bath, the dirt, mud, and debris that rinses from your dog can cause a drain clog, especially when combined with hair in the drain. In fact, you might even want to rinse your dog outside first before you wash it in your tub.
Speaking of hair, some dogs are major shedders. The hair that sheds from your dog can also lead to the development of a drain clog. Use a drain protector to catch any hair that comes from your dog. If your tub develops a clog after bathing your dog, you can call a plumber near me in Normal, IL, to clear the line quickly.
Digging in the Yard
If you have a dog that loves to dig, be sure that you know where your plumbing lines are. Sometimes the lines can be closer to the surface than you might expect. Moreover, some dogs are tenacious diggers and might reach your underground pipes. Be sure to prevent dogs from digging in the area of your pipes or your drain field if you have a septic system.
Keep Toilet Lid Closed
Some pets develop the habit of quenching their thirst by drinking out of the toilet. Unfortunately, even the cleanest toilet can contain unwanted bacteria as well as cleaning product residue, neither of which are healthful for your pet. Moreover, if your pet spends time with you, as pets typically do, they can contaminate household items or people after they’ve had a drink from the toilet. It’s also not unheard of for a pet to drop their toy or other objects in the toilet. If flushed, a stubborn clog can necessitate a call to your “plumber near me in Normal, IL.” To deter your pets from the toilet ball, be sure to keep their water bowls filled with fresh water.
Protect Your Plumbing System
If you have a pet-related plumbing problem, you need a plumber near me in Normal. Covenant Plumbing offers a complete spectrum of plumbing solutions. A plumber near me in my area can visit your home to evaluate the problem and recommend the ideal fix. While a plumber near me in Illinois can easily dislodge most clogs with their plumbing tools, some issues like ruptured pipes may require replacement. Your pets can wreak havoc on your plumbing system, but by watching out for these issues, you can prevent the problems outlined here.
Covenant Plumbing offers plumbing services that are always delivered by our skilled and licensed plumbers. When you need a plumber near me in Normal, you can count on us. Our plumbing services include drain cleaning, water heater repair and installation, sump pump repair, repiping, and more. If you have a plumbing emergency such as a ruptured pipe and need a plumber near me in Normal, contact us for service.
