May is time to celebrate National Pet Month, and we at Narrow Path Plumbing totally get it – we’re pet lovers just like you! We consider every member of your family important, and yes, that includes your adorable, furry four-legged ones as well. As a pet parent, we know you’d do anything to keep your furry friend safe, happy, and healthy. And as a homeowner, keeping your plumbing in top shape is also a big deal for you. So, how does this all correlate? Well, you might be surprised, but even the pets that are super easy to take care of can still require some extra attention around the house. So, let’s chat about how to keep both your beloved pets and your plumbing system out of trouble!
Think About the Pet Grooming Process
Keeping your pets groomed is key to keeping your home and pets clean and free from pests like ticks and fleas. However, grooming your pets can be tough on your plumbing. Here are a few tips to help reduce the strain on your plumbing system.
Baths: Bathing your pet at home is great for keeping them smelling fresh and their coat shiny. But, be warned, doing it yourself might lead to some plumbing adventures with all that fur possibly clogging up the tub.
- Want to make bathing your pet way easier? Think about installing a hand-held showerhead. If you don’t have one yet, it’s definitely something to consider!
- Pop a drain screen over your tub or shower drain to catch all that fur and stop clogs in their tracks.
- Wash your pet outside when it is feasible for you.
Fur Brushing: Brushing your pet regularly is key to keeping the shedding fur under control and stopping it from clogging up your plumbing!
- Pick the right brush for your pet’s hair type to make things smoother.
- To really cut down on hair flying around inside, try to do your grooming outside whenever you can.
- If you’ve got a long-haired furry friend at home, it’s a good idea to brush them out at least once a week. It keeps their coat looking great and helps to lessen the amount of fur coming off your pet during bathtime.
Think About Pet Food & Pet Waste Disposal Process
Pet Food: You should never wash dry pet food (like kibble) down your kitchen sink with the garbage disposal on. Why? Because dry pet food swells up when it gets wet and can cause severe blockages to your pipes. Your best option is to just toss any unused or old pet food in the trash bin.
Cat Litter: Handling pet waste comes with the territory of having a pet, but how you get rid of it can really mess with your home’s plumbing if done incorrectly. You might think it’s fine to flush kitty litter down the toilet but trust us; it’s not a good idea. Most kitty litter doesn’t break down in water, and that can cause a serious clog within your pipes.
Even though you might see some kitty litter labeled as “flushable,” it’s really best to just not flush cat litter at all if you want to uphold the integrity of your plumbing system. Sure, they say this “flushable cat litter” is biodegradable, but the truth is, although it is biodegradable, it breaks down super slowly. This means you could end up with clogs building up over time because those clumps of used litter just don’t dissolve away all that fast. Definitely not worth it for a little bit of convenience.
Think About Some Other Pet Safety Tips
Digging: Keep an eye on your digging-loving pets – we get it, dogs will be dogs, and we love them for it! But if you have a digger, you’ve got to watch out for your adventurous furry friend. They might just start digging near your home’s foundation or close to buried pipelines. We’re all about keeping your plumbing safe, but let’s not forget this also keeps your pet out of harm’s way.
Toilet Water: Do you have a toilet bowl drinker on your hands? Sure, it’s a bit yucky, but it’s also a big no-no for their health. Why? If you use any toilet bowl cleaners like toilet tabs, rim hangers, gel stamps, cleaning tabs, or other chemical-containing cleaning products, your pet could get sick from ingesting those chemicals. It’s best to keep the toilet lid down when you’re not using it. And if your pet’s a persistent little ninja, maybe think about getting a child-proof lock.
It’s possible to keep both your furry friends and the plumbing system safe. All it takes is a little preventative care and planning ahead. Want more handy tips for looking after your home and plumbing? Dive into our blog for loads of helpful posts!
If you’re running into any issues or have questions, we’re always happy to help out! Narrow Path Plumbing is open 24/7, 365 days a year. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us today at (937) 623-2619, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
