As a top plumbing company in Utah, we at Whipple Service Champions are proud to provide services to all kinds of clients around the state. One group, that might have a few particular unique plumbing areas that often aren’t considered fully? Pet owners.

That’s right, pets can make a real impact on the plumbing in your home. Let’s look at how they do this, and a few tips for things you can do to avoid any issues caused by pets.

Toilet Lid

Many pets will naturally lick the toilet bowl, and this should be discouraged. The residue left from cleaners and chemicals can be harmful to your pets, and their hair can get into the toilet drain and contribute to clogs over time. Leave the toilet lid closed at all times when it’s not in use, or simply close the door to the bathroom.

Backyard Digging

If you have a dog that digs in the backyard, ensure he or she never digs too deep. Main sewer lines may be installed as shallow as 18 inches under the surface of your lawn, and these are costly repairs if your dog damages them.

Cat Litter and Toilet

Some cat litter brands claim that their products can be flushed down the toilet. While this may be true in some cases, we recommend avoiding this, as it could easily cause problems down the line. Only waste and toilet tissue should be flushed, as other items can easily lead to clogs.

Pet-Proofing

For smaller, aged animals, make sure floor drains on the lowest level of your home are covered. These animals can make themselves very small and may slip through floor drains.

Drain Stoppers

If you bathe a pet in the bathtub or sink, consider that their hair can damage drains. It’s important to use a stopper or strainer to catch animal hair before it hits the drain. This will help eliminate the risk of a slow-moving drain.

Pressure Balancing Valves

Another tip when bathing pets is to get pressure balancing valves for your plumbing system. These balancing valves will avoid the constant heating and cooling issue when others share water.

For more pet-friendly plumbing advice or other services, speak to the professionals at Whipple Service Champions today.