If you have pets, they’re a big part of your life and bring a ton of joy to your home. Unfortunately, they can also be a source of worry because they can cause damage and hurt themselves if your home is not properly pet proofed. Here are our best tips for keeping your plumbing system safe for–and from–your furry friends.
Keep the Toilet Lid Closed
Cats and dogs have a tendency to drink out of the toilet if they have the opportunity, and this is unsafe for them. Chemicals from toilet cleaning products linger in the toilet water and can be harmful to pets, so make sure that you keep all toilet lids in your home closed when not in use and always keep water dishes out for your pets so that they can easily get water as they need it.
Use Drain Strainers
If you bathe your furry friend in the bathtub or sink, a lot of their fur is probably washing down the drain and clogging things up. Give your pet a thorough brushing before bathing in order to remove loose fur beforehand and pop a drain strainer in your drain to catch stray pet hair before it washes down into your pipes.
Don’t Flush Kitty Litter
Don’t flush kitty litter down the toilet, even if it says that it is flushable on the label. So-called flushable kitty litter still takes a long time to break down in your pipes and can easily cause nasty blockages and major damage. Dispose of your cat’s litter in the trash instead and save your pipes.
Keep Exposed Pipes Covered
If a dog finds an exposed pipe within reach, they may be inclined to chew and/or scratch at it, which can result in damaged teeth, hurt paws, and wrecked plumbing. To prevent this, keep cabinets beneath sinks securely closed and put pipe covers on any exposed pipes in your home that are within chewing reach of your pooch.
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