Studies show that having a pet makes people healthier and happier. It gives people more reason to stay active and creates more opportunities for socializing. However, as much as you may love your furry family member, pets can also cause mischief. While owners are usually primarily worried about their flooring or furniture, the following guide explains ways dogs and cats can cause the need for premature plumbing repairs.

How to Protect Your Plumbing as a Pet Owner

1. Keep Toilet Lid Closed

When pets drink from the toilet bowl, they pose a threat to themselves and your plumbing. Toilet water often contains chemicals leftover from cleaning products. When ingested, they can cause stomach and respiratory problems in your pet. Plus, you never know what your pet might drop into the toilet—a toy or dirt from the yard—causing blockage and pricey plumbing repairs.

Instruct the whole family to shut the toilet after use. It might be hard to remember at first, so consider posting a note on the wall as a reminder. Also, keep your pet's water bowl filled up throughout the day so that they don't seek other water sources.

2. Use Drain Catchers

Bathing your pet keeps their coat healthy and stink-free. However, in the process, their shedding fur or hair will clog your plumbing. Over time, fur or hair collects and knots up, making it difficult for passing water to dislodge it. It also creates an additional surface for mineral and oil deposits to attach to. Your pipes might then become blocked and cause flooding.

To avoid this outcome, install a drain strainer, a metal sieve or mesh strainer that keeps debris and hair from going down the drain. Clean it out after each wash.

3. Protect Exposed Pipes & Valves

Especially if your pet is young, they may treat exposed pipes and valves in your home as their chew toys. Consequently, they might injure their teeth and cause leaks in the pipes. They might even hurt themselves by getting a paw caught in a valve and, in the process, adjust your water flow. 

Avoid these issues by wrapping exposed pipes and drains with a soft, non-toxic material or obstructing them with furnishings.

For pet-related plumbing repairs, rely on the reputable team at Lonneman Plumbing in Edgewood, KY. For six decades, this plumbing contractor has provided residential and commercial customers throughout northern Kentucky with routine and emergency services for many plumbing devices, including water heaters, sump pumps, and garbage disposals. Call (859) 341-7755 to discuss the right plumbing solution for you. Learn more about their offerings online.