Plumbing Safety Tips for Pet Owners in Buffalo & Western New York
Pets are part of the family and just like kids, they can get curious about things they shouldn’t! From drinking out of toilets to chewing on pipes, household plumbing can pose unexpected hazards for your furry friends. At Gideon’s Plumbing, we care about keeping every member of your family safe including the four-legged ones.
Here are some important plumbing safety tips for pet owners in Buffalo, Amherst, Orchard Park, and Hamburg to help protect your pets and your plumbing.
Keep Toilet Lids Closed
Many dogs and cats see the toilet as a convenient water bowl, but it’s not a safe one. Toilet water may contain cleaning chemicals or bacteria that can make pets sick. Get in the habit of keeping toilet lids closed, and consider installing slow-close seats to prevent pets from getting trapped or startled.
Watch Where Pets Drink
Some pets are drawn to dripping faucets, but constant dripping wastes water and encourages bad habits. Make sure your pets always have fresh, clean water in a bowl, and fix leaky faucets promptly. Our Buffalo plumbers can help repair or replace any worn-out fixtures.
Protect Exposed Pipes and Hoses
Chewing is a natural behavior, especially for puppies and kittens, but it can turn dangerous fast if they gnaw on water lines or drain hoses. Use protective coverings for exposed pipes and secure washing machine and dishwasher hoses. This prevents leaks, flooding, and potential injury to your pet.
Keep Pets Away from Utility Areas
Basements, laundry rooms, and boiler areas often have plumbing components that can pose risks like hot water heaters, sump pumps, and cleaning products. Use baby gates or barriers to keep pets out of these spaces, and make sure your water heater is properly insulated to prevent burns from hot pipes.
Check Outdoor Plumbing and Hose Bibs
If your pets spend time outside, make sure outdoor spigots and hoses are secure. Curious pets may chew through hoses or dig near pipes. In cold Buffalo winters, ensure outdoor faucets are winterized to prevent freezing and bursting protecting both your pipes and your pets from icy puddles or sharp debris.
Be Careful with Drains and Bathtubs
During bath time, use drain covers to catch fur before it goes down the drain. Pet hair can easily clog pipes, leading to slow drains or backups. Our Amherst and Orchard Park plumbers can install hair-catching drain stoppers or perform gentle clean-outs to keep your drains flowing freely.
Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners
If you’re dealing with a clog, skip the harsh chemicals—they can linger in the pipes and harm pets that come into contact with them later. Choose pet-safe alternatives or call Gideon’s Plumbing for a professional cleaning that’s safe for your whole household.
Why Pet Owners Trust Gideon’s Plumbing
At Gideon’s Plumbing, we understand that pets are family. Homeowners across Buffalo, Amherst, Orchard Park, and Hamburg count on us for:
• Pet-safe plumbing inspections and maintenance
• Drain cleaning without harsh chemicals
• Leak detection and water heater repairs
• Friendly, trustworthy service that puts safety first
Protect Your Pets and Your Plumbing
A few small changes can make a big difference in keeping your pets safe and your plumbing running smoothly. If you have concerns about leaks, hot water safety, or pet-related plumbing issues, Gideon’s Plumbing is here to help.
We’re proud to serve Western New York families with reliable service, expert advice, and peace of mind because your pets deserve a safe, happy home too.