If you have pets, you may not realize how your furry friends can impact your septic system. In addition to shedding hair and dander, pets like dogs and cats are naturally curious, which can potentially threaten your plumbing system. Below are three ways to pet-proof your plumbing system so you won’t have to worry about emergency calls to a plumber. 

3 Tips for Pet-Proofing Your Plumbing

1. Use Hair Catchment Drain Guards

Pet fur can run down the drain when you wash your animals, contributing to difficult clogs. However, you can prevent problems by using hair catchment drain guards. These simple devices fit into the opening of the drain and trap hair as the water funnels out of the basin. When the guard fills up, you can simply toss the hair and replace the plug, protecting your plumbing system. 

2. Keep Lids Down 

Pets can become sick from drinking out of the toilet, and excess water use from toilet bowls can run up your water bill and put an extra strain on your toilet’s filling device. To prevent these issues, keep lids down at all times. Consider asking a plumber to install a pet-proof lock to your toilet seat if your animals have figured out how to pop it up. 

3. Cover Exposed Pipes

Dogs and cats alike love to dig, which is why exposed pipes outdoors can be a problem. If animals dig up the dirt around pipes, the exposure could put the pipe at risk of freezing during the winter. PVC pipes and older metal pipes could even crack or fracture under the pressure of chewing from an animal, potentially causing flooding and home damage. 

If you notice exposed pipes anywhere inside or outside your home, do what you can to cover them. You can also build a small fence around your pipes to keep your pets out. You should also keep a close eye on your animals when they play outside, and distract them with another activity if they start to dig. If you notice damage to existing pipes, have a plumber evaluate and repair the issue quickly to prevent more costly damage. 

If you start noticing issues with your plumbing system, don’t hesitate to reach out to the plumbers at Wrightsman Plumbing Heating & Cooling Inc in Beatrice, NE. In addition to helping with drain clogs and water heater problems, these specialists can also help with HVAC issues. To find out more about how they can help you to improve your home, visit their website, or give their office a call at (402) 228-3100.