How to Prevent Pet Hair Clogs

Our beloved furry pets have many of the same demands that we do. They need to eat, sleep, and keep clean. Furthermore, their fur gets everywhere, including the drains.

Our beloved furry pets have many of the same demands that we do. They need to eat, sleep, and keep clean. Furthermore, their fur gets everywhere, including the drains. As a result, pet hair contributes to clogged pipes in the home. Blocked plumbing lines can cause significant problems, some of which can be costly to repair. It’s therefore vital to learn how to avoid these clogs in the first place. Here are some tips on preventing pet hair from blocking the drains.

Brush the pet

Brushing the dog’s coat does more than keeping it shiny and tangle-free. It also removes loose hairs that would shed around the home. It’s essential to brush dogs before a bath as this will serve two primary purposes. First, it will make for a better experience as it eliminates knots beforehand. Secondly, less hair will go down the drain, reducing the risk of pipe blockages. Pet shops carry specialized brushes for various dog breeds.

Protect the drain

If it’s impossible to wash the dog outside, try covering the shower or tub drain. A hair catcher drain cover will help, although it won’t work very well for dogs with fine hair. There are many types of drain covers in the market. A process of trial and error to find one that’s a good fit may be unnecessarily costly and time-consuming. The best solution would be to contact a plumber and find out what would work best.

Use a baby wipe

This neat little trick will help reduce the amount of dog hair that goes down the drain. Before starting a bath, cover the drain with a baby wipe and then insert the plug. Scrub the dog clean but don’t pull the plug out immediately after the bath. Instead, hold the edges of the wipe flat and then unplug the tub. The baby wipe will act as a filter that will catch even the fine dog hairs. Next, use another wipe to clear away any other fur in the tub.

Take it outside

If it’s at all possible, it would be better to wash pets outside. For instance, one can clean a small cat or dog in a basin or bucket. Hose down larger animals in the yard, which can become a fun activity for the kids. These methods mean that pet hair is less likely to get into the drain.

Call the professionals

Even the most diligent homeowner will end up with hair in the drain that could eventually lead to clogs. If the water drains slower than it should, it would be best to contact a licensed plumber. These professionals will figure out what’s required to fix the problem.


With over 25 years of experience, American Discount Plumbing has offered expert plumbing service and repair in Phoenix, Arizona, and surrounding cities at affordable rates for both residential and commercial properties. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured plumbing company offering 24-hour emergency service. We provide lasting general plumbing, water leak detection and repair, toilet repair, pipe repair, and water heater repair or replacement solutions. Call 602-883-2787 today!

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