Pets: Exploring the Challenges With Residential Plumbing
Pets are great but sometimes they can make mistakes. The plumbing challenges below are common issues when you bring a new pet home.
Pets bring so much joy and life into the home, but their energetic nature often leads to pipework issues, damaging the plumbing system. When pets run around freely, they cause unexpected plumbing problems, and homeowners often struggle to detect the trouble until complications occur.
Fortunately, there are ways to keep the pets happy and protect the plumbing. Let's discuss the most common plumbing issues caused by pets and how to prevent them.
Keep reading to learn more.
Chewing on pipes
Pets are attracted by items they can chew. They’re ready to sink their teeth into cables, smaller fixtures, and exposed pipes. Homeowners sometimes forget that pets can use their paws or noses to open under-the-sink cabinets and must deal with damaged or even broken pipes. Installing locks on the cabinets prevents the pets from getting to the exposed pipes and turning them into new chew toys. Additionally, it’s essential to cover the pipework in other home areas to keep them in good condition. An experienced plumber will assess the situation and suggest the best solutions to stop the pets from reaching the pipework.
Blocking the drains
Pet hair gathers on furniture, but it also gets inside the plumbing system when owners bathe their beloved animals. The thick hairs go down the drains and form balls that block the pipes, disrupting the water flow. To minimize shedding, rinse off your pet outdoors before taking them in for a bath or shower.
Another effective solution is installing drain guards to capture the hairs before they invade the pipes. A professional has the tools and knowledge to unclog the drains, install drain guards, and ensure the plumbing stays healthy.
Drinking toilet water
When pets get too close to the plumbing, their overall health may suffer. If they view the toilet bowls as a water source, they might drink contaminated toilet water and put their health at risk. Moreover, toilet water is full of aggressive cleaning chemicals that could cause severe injuries when ingested. Always close the toilet lid to protect pets from toxic chemicals.
Exposing the pipes in the backyard
Dogs love to explore backyards and dig holes to see what’s hidden under the surface. They might accidentally expose a pipe while playing, sometimes breaking or puncturing it. Repairing damaged pipes is a time-consuming process that strains the owner’s budget, so it’s best to watch canine friends to ensure that all pipes remain underground.
Injuries due to high water pressure
Hot water sprays that come out of fixtures too quickly could injure the pets, but owners can resolve this issue by investing in pressure-balancing valves. These valves balance water pressure levels and ensure that the temperature is never too hot.
Protect the pets and keep the plumbing in perfect condition
Pets can damage the plumbing system and hurt themselves by getting too close to the pipework. Contact a professional to keep furry friends safe, enhance the home’s plumbing, and avoid future issues.
If you need honest and experienced professional plumbing services for residential and afford commercial plumbing needs in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Enterprise give us a call at 702-766-3320.
