Bringing a new pet into the home is exciting for the whole family. When adopting a dog or cat, you should take the proper steps to ensure they are safe from common household hazards. You must also prevent your pet from damaging home fixtures, including the plumbing system. While a plumber can help with repairs when necessary, below are a few strategies that can prevent problems. 

As a New Pet Owner, How Can You Protect the Plumbing?

1. Bathe Pets Carefully

Hair is notorious for clogging bathtub drains. This is especially true when bathing a pet in the tub, which may result in massive amounts of fur going right down your drain. A drain stopper catches hair before it can flow down the drain, thereby preventing disastrous clogs. You can also prevent this by washing them outside, but be sure to use eco-friendly shampoo to avoid damaging the yard.

2. Avoid Flushing Cat Litter

Some cat litter brands state that they’re safe for flushing, but this is not usually the case. Cat litter absorbs moisture and can stick to the pipes of your toilet, causing massive clogs. When this happens, you can face a water backup, rust, or a rupture if the clog is severe. Instead, dispose of cat litter in the trash. 

3. Prevent Dogs From Digging

Plumbing pipes run through the backyard and other outdoor areas of your home. If your dog is fond of digging and hits one of these pipes, they can damage it and cause a severe leak. Try to keep your dog from digging if possible. If you cannot stop them, check your home’s blueprints to find out where the pipes are in the yard, and stop the dog if they get close.

4. Close Toilet Lids

While some pets love to drink out of the toilet, any cleaning chemicals you use can harm their health if they ingest them. Your pet may also knock items into the toilet, clogging the drain or breaking the object. Closing toilet lids when the bathroom is not in use will prevent both of these problems. 

If you experience pet-related mishaps at your home, securing a skilled plumber is a must. With more than 30 years of experience, D & J Plumbing can address minor clogs as well as substantial issues. Serving Commerce, GA, and the surrounding areas, these plumbers are fully licensed and insured to provide the best possible service to their customers. They can also install new plumbing fixtures. Schedule service at your home by calling (706) 335-3911. You can also view the full listing of plumbing services online.