Pet Owners: 4 Plumbing Tips to Keep Drains & Pipes Clean
When cleaning a litter box for the family kitty or giving man’s best friend a bath, little thought is given to these tasks resulting in situations that lead to needing the services of a plumber. But that’s exactly what happens in many cases, and is often due to owner carelessness or being misinformed about the products they are using.
Whatever the case may be, there are times when a plumber’s services become necessary when drains and pipes become clogged. If you don’t want this to happen, try following some of these tips to keep the drains and pipes in your home free of clogs.
Strain When Bathing
While this may sound unusual, if you’re giving your pet a bath it’s a good idea to use a drain strainer. By doing so, you’ll keep lots of hair and other stuff from finding its way down the drain and eventually into the pipes, where it will become a clog. Fortunately there are numerous types of strainers available to pet owners, all made to keep as much hair as possible out of the drain. If you’re not sure what type of strainer to use, a plumber can make some recommendations.
Exploring Pipes and Drains
If you have exposed pipes and open drains, you may find yourself with more than a few problems. Dogs love to chew on those pipes, and cats can’t help but explore open drains. If both of these things happen, you’ll be paying a plumber to install new pipes and rescue the cat from the drain. However, by installing drain covers in appropriate places and making sure all pipes in your home are covered and unavailable to dogs, chances are everything will be just fine.
To Flush or Not to Flush?
While logic would say that flushable litter is made to flush down a toilet, the truth is that it should never be flushed down the toilet. According to numerous plumbers, flushable litter is responsible for many, many cases of clogged pipes.
This is because the litter sets up like concrete in the pipes, presenting quite a challenge to the plumber whose job it is to clear it. When changing a litter box, simply deposit the litter and waste into a trashcan. And don’t let the dog drink from the toilet, unless you want another clog from the hair that falls into the bowl and ends up in the pipes.
Don’t let your fluffy pup clog up your drain! If you need drain cleaning in your home call NixCo Plumbing at (513) 398-5907 today!