Plumbing Tips for Pet Owners
Our pets can provide us with much needed happiness and stress relief. In fact, according to a recent HOZZ survey, we are particularly lenient when it comes to pets and most likely to treat cats and dogs as a member of the family. That eventually means these furry little friends of ours will find their way into our bathrooms and this can lead to costly repairs. We have experience with pet related damage and have tips on how to avoid common plumbing problems pets can create.
Pet Ownership and Plumbing
Read this tips for guidance on how to keep your pets safe and extend the life of your home plumbing system.
Pipes Dug Up by Pets
Most dogs love finding out exactly what is in the ground of their home. While their attempt is cute, some things should stay in the ground. If they puncture a pipe or cause it to break, you could be looking at anything from a malfunctioning sprinkler system to a burst sewage pipe in your yard.
A solution to this could be placing small fences around areas in the yard that are not pet friendly. Prevention is the first and most important step. Training your pets not to dig is also another possible solution. These options may seem time consuming, but we can tell you first hand that no one wants sewage in their yard.
Using Toilet as a Water Bowl
Pets don’t seem to notice the difference between their water bowl and the toilet bowl. The American Kennel club states that this could be because of the cool water that is constantly refilling. Try to keep pets out of the bathroom unattended so they do not ingest leftover cleaning chemicals or fecal matter. Your pet may be upset, but they can most likely be persuaded away from the bathroom by keeping the lid closed after use, or using baby gates in the doorway.
Chewing on Pipes
Our pets sure do find a lot to chew on. Remotes, phone cords, and plumbing? Yes, some of the boldest pets will even chew on fixtures and pipes! For any exposed pipes or easy accessible pipes, there are ways to cover and conceal them. If a pet bites through the pipe it could possibly crack their teeth and cause water damage to the home at the same time.
High Pressure of Hot Water Concerns
Before you get the tub or hose ready for your animals, check to make sure the water is appropriate for bathing. If the pressure is too high, it can hurt if it comes in contact with their skin. If it is too hot, they could get burned.
Both of these scenarios are completely avoidable by checking the water prior to bathing. Test the water before you use it on your pet, is it too hard or hot? Avoid the bath if this occurs until you can change the temperature or reduce the pressure.
To change your water’s temperature, find your water heater’s temperature gauge. If it feels too hot, you can turn it down from the temperature gauge. Energy Saver reports that most households usually only require them to be set at 120ºF. So, if you see your heater above that temperature and it feels scalding hot, it is okay to turn it down. If you are having trouble turning the temp down on your water heater or have high pressure, give us a call and we can help.
Water pressure can be reduced with a pressure reducing valve or PRV for short. Reduced pressure may sound like a problem, but the more water pressure flowing in your pipes, the tougher it is on your plumbing system.
Bath Time
Your pet is just about as happy about bath time as you are, but it doesn’t have to be a chore to clean up. If your pet sheds, a drain guard can be put in the tub to collect hair. These are available almost anywhere and are a very inexpensive way to save yourself from clogs, at least ones resulting from pet hair.
Pet plumbing problems persistent in your home? Contact Reliant Plumbing! We have seen everything from the largest pet hair clogs to everyday pet plumbing occurrences, because we have pets of our own! While you wait on your water heater repair or toilet replacement, check out these real stories featuring our very best and their pets.
Pets of Reliant Plumbing
Meet the furry faces behind the wrenches and see why we’re not just passionate about plumbing, but also about our four-legged friends.
Kirby
Kirby superstar at your service! We first met on a blueberry farm when he was only 2 pounds. He was a solid black ball, so much so that I couldn’t tell his face from his bum! Kirby loves to swim. I have a hilarious memory of him willingly jumping in the flowing water at Barton Springs. A big dog and his owner were standing next to us and that dog was quivering and resisting being pushed in. Meanwhile, my tiny teddy bear jumped right in and cruised upstream. His tail sticks up and he uses it like a trolling motor when he swims. He has taught me to love always, live in the moment, and to stop and smell the roses! Well, I choose roses anyway, he chooses fire hydrants. -E.B.
Nemo
This is Nemo! I saw a post on craigslist and drove to the house the next day to get him. He was so cute, taught me unconditional love, and he helped me through my life. After a while he would hear my car when I drove home, and I had to park a bit away. If I stayed in the car too long he would jump on the hood of my car! Plus, I ever left my window down he would jump in and greet me. His favorite activities included grooming himself and eating. He loved to stretch up to hug me, the best cat ever! – J.L.
Maggie-May
We met Maggie-May about 5 years ago when we fostered her and a few other pups displaced by hurricane Harvey. She is a very sweet puppy and, as you can see, she LOVES pajamas and naps. Her personality and loyalty made me quickly realize that she was our new dog. One of our favorite past times is watching tv together, she lays on my arm and even watches with me! -C.W.
Zuko
A goofy goober with an obsession for rolling in the grass…that’s Zuko! I met him at my last job where he was surrendered due to behavior. He was a bit wild back then sure, but nothing training couldn’t help! I really love his spirit, and he’s extremely playful but kind when needed. I could not have chosen a better dog to walk into my life. -J.R.
Spot
This is Spot. Honestly the best thing about him is that I come home to a smile. Rough day or good day, he always knows how to cheer me up! -D.S.
Woody
Woody is an energetic climber, a quick friend, and a big fan of soft fuzzy blankets. Once a family member took me to see a production of “The Amazing Acro-Cats.” After that I was inspired, and started teaching Woody tricks! It’s a great party trick to show off how he can ring a bell, spin, shake, and even push a tiny shopping cart! It’s also a great diversion to redirect unwanted behavior (such as eating houseplants or plastic.) And Woody has taught me about life too! I am inspired by his love of play. -S.W.
Just like our expert plumbers, we genuinely believe in treating clients like a part of the Reliant Plumbing family. Whether its a home emergency or maintenance for your business, you can rely on Reliant Plumbing. With over 10 years in the plumbing business, you can trust us to provide a reliable repair at a price that works with you.