Pet Owners: 4 Plumbing Tips to Keep Cat and Dog Hair out of Drains and Pipes

Clogged drains

Calls to a professional Trinity plumber to clean out and unclog pipes and drains are nothing unusual. It's also not unusual for the plumber to get these calls after the homeowner has tried cleaning the drains themselves.

The homeowner may have tried using drain cleaners or something like a drain stick to remove the obstructions. Cast-iron plumbing in older structures will inevitably corrode over time. Clogged pipes and drains in this type of plumbing can become a chronic problem.

Clogged drains can be obstructed by any number of things including pet hair. A home owner will have to take the time and effort to clear the drains themselves or face the expense of having the plumber come out (or both). All this can be avoided by not clogging up the drains to begin with.

Drain screens

A simple and inexpensive way to keep pet hair out of the plumbing is to use drain screens in the bathtub. Just about any hardware store, home center, or plumbing supply will carry these.

The screens are made with metal mesh and fit over the drain. They are cleaned as needed. In a pinch, nylon hose or nylon paint filters can be temporarily stuffed in the drain while giving a pet a bath.

Drain screens can also filter out pet hair when mop water is poured into the bathtub of your Trinity home. A better solution is to pour the mop water into the toilet.

Pet shower heads

Another way to avoid getting pet hair in the plumbing is to wash the pet outside using a pet shower head. Outdoor pet shower heads are available for about $30. These attach to an ordinary garden hose.

Traps and Interceptors

To get an idea of how much pet hair is going through your washing machine, check the screen filter on your dryer. To catch any pet hair going into the plumbing, you can buy a washing machine lint trap for about $10 to $20.

Cast-iron interceptors are an option for sinks or utility tubs. These devices are installed as part of the plumbing and have removable baskets. This is something that is more likely to be used in commercial establishments. However, they are an option.

Don't let your fluffy pup clog up your drain! If you need drain cleaning in your Trinity, FL home call Roman Plumbing at (727) 858-3412 today!