(412) 364-9114
With over 35 years of experience, Terry’s Plumbing has seen it all—and that includes the creative ways four-legged family members can turn a simple plumbing system into an expensive headache. From curious cats to digging dogs, pets have a knack for finding trouble in places homeowners never expect.
While pets bring joy, they can also create unique plumbing challenges. The experienced team at Terry’s Plumbing has crawled under countless homes throughout the North Hills, Ross Township, McCandless, and surrounding areas to fix pet-related plumbing disasters. The good news? A little prevention goes a long way.
Pittsburgh weather can turn a simple walk into a muddy adventure, especially during wet spring months or after a good snow melt. When dogs come home looking like they have been dipped in chocolate, the first instinct might be to head straight for the bathtub.
Professional plumbers recommend starting the cleaning process outside when possible. A quick rinse with the garden hose can remove the bulk of dirt, leaves, and debris before it ever hits indoor plumbing. This simple step can prevent stubborn drain clogs that require professional service calls.
When moving indoors for the final wash, always use a drain cover or hair catcher. Pet hair combined with soap and any remaining dirt creates the perfect conditions for a drain blockage. Experienced plumbers regularly remove hair clogs that could have been easily prevented with a simple drain screen.
Nothing sends a homeowner into a panic quite like catching their pet drinking from the toilet bowl. Beyond the obvious hygiene concerns, pets who develop this habit can cause real plumbing problems.
A simple solution involves keeping regular water bowls clean and full. Most pets turn to alternative water sources because their usual supply isn’t appealing. Professional tip: always keep that toilet lid closed. It’s a habit that protects both pet health and plumbing systems.
Pittsburgh homes, especially in older neighborhoods throughout Northern Pittsburgh, often have water and sewer lines running closer to the surface than homeowners realize—sometimes just 12 to 18 inches underground.
For households with digging dogs (Golden Retrievers and Beagles are notorious), it’s important to learn where main lines run. Most utility companies will mark these locations for free when calling 811 before landscaping projects. Creating designated digging areas away from these zones can prevent emergency excavation calls.
After decades of service calls, plumbing professionals know that many problems start with, “Well, we thought just this once…” Whether it’s kitty litter, pet waste, or “flushable” pet wipes, the rule remains simple: the only things that belong in toilets are human waste and toilet paper.
Pet waste, even in small quantities, can create blockages in sewer lines. These blockages in Pittsburgh’s older sewer systems aren’t just inconvenient—they can be expensive to clear, especially when requiring excavation equipment.
Cats are natural explorers, and dogs can be surprisingly determined when investigating interesting spaces. Under-sink cabinets offer an irresistible combination of enclosed areas and intriguing smells.
The challenge lies in what’s stored there: water supply lines, shut-off valves, and potentially dangerous cleaning chemicals. Curious pets can chew through supply lines, creating water damage that extends far beyond simple repair costs.
Simple cabinet locks or child-safety latches provide inexpensive insurance against both pet safety hazards and potential flooding.
Even with the best precautions, pets and plumbing sometimes don’t mix. Experienced plumbers have seen cats knock over full water bowls that seep into flooring, dogs who’ve loosened toilet bolts by using fixtures as water bowls, and countless other creative plumbing adventures.
When these moments happen, quick action prevents small problems from becoming major ones. Many pet-related plumbing issues are straightforward fixes when addressed promptly.
Northern Pittsburgh temperature swings can freeze pipes and create unique challenges. When pets spend time in basements, garages, or other areas where pipes run through unheated spaces, their activity can actually help prevent freezing by keeping air circulating. These areas should remain pet-safe with properly secured fixtures and no exposed electrical connections.
Pet-proofing plumbing isn’t about limiting furry family members—it’s about creating homes where everyone (two-legged and four-legged) can live comfortably without plumbing disasters.
The best plumbing systems are ones homeowners never have to think about. Taking preventive steps now means more time enjoying pets and less time dealing with unexpected repairs.
Terry’s Plumbing has been serving Northern Pittsburgh families since 1984, understanding that life with pets sometimes means expecting the unexpected. When plumbing problems arise, experienced professionals are ready to help—because homeowners shouldn’t have to go to bed with that drip tonight or any other plumbing worry.
Need help with pet-related plumbing issues in Northern Pittsburgh? Call Terry’s Plumbing at (412) 364-9114. As trusted neighbors in the community, the team understands that sometimes life with pets brings surprises.
How Often you Should Clean your Septic Tank
How to Replace a Toilet Shut-Off Valve
Power Flushing: What Homeowners Need to Know About Hydrojetting
