Most buildings, including homes, have plumbing systems designed to handle only human waste. These systems are usually unable to handle other items like dog poop, which can clog toilets and cause major plumbing issues if it is not disposed of properly.
If you missed it, I’ll repeat it; dog poop can clog toilets. This is because dog poop is usually made of grass, dirt, raw hide, hair, and other materials that don’t break down easily in water. As a result, the dog poop can become lodged in the pipes or accumulate to create a blockage.
Stick around because I’m about to tell you how to avoid this costly problem.
Here’s what I will cover in the rest of this article;
- Reasons dog poop clogs toilet
- How to dispose of dog poop properly
- What to do if you have a dog poop-related clog
Reasons Dog Poop Clogs Toilet
There are a few reasons why your dog’s poop will definitely clog your toilet. These include:
1. Dog Poop Usually Contains Foreign Materials
Just like I mentioned earlier, your dog’s poop is likely to contain materials like grass, dirt, rawhide, and even hair that don’t break down easily.
When these materials enter your sewage system, they settle in the pipes and eventually form a blockage.
2. Some Dog Poop May be Too Big for Your Pipes
Secondly, if you particularly have big dogs who poop quite a lot, the size of their droppings could be too big for your toilet’s pipes. This can also cause a nasty clog.
3. Dog Poop May Contain Bacteria and Pathogens
Lastly, dog poop may contain bacteria and pathogens that can build up in your plumbing system over time if not disposed of properly.
How To Dispose Of Dog Poop Properly
There are a few ways to dispose of dog poop properly. Here are some of the most effective and efficient methods:
1. Bagging it up
Bag up the poop in a biodegradable bag and dispose of it in the trash. Make sure to tie the bag securely before throwing it away.
These bags come in various materials, including compostable, biodegradable, and plastic. Compostable bags break down considerably faster than the others, so they are considered to be the most eco-friendly option.
So to properly dispose of your dog poop without the need to flush it down the toilet, simply bag it up and throw it away.
2. Flushing it
If you choose to flush dog poop, be sure that your toilet is equipped with a grinder pump.
Grinder pumps are designed to break down waste products into small pieces so they can pass safely through plumbing systems.
It’s important to note that if your toilet doesn’t have a grinder pump, it is not safe to flush dog poop.
3. Composting
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to dispose of your dog’s poop, consider composting it. Composting is a process that breaks down organic materials into small pieces and turns them into fertilizer.
To compost your dog’s poop, simply add it to a designated area in your compost pile and mix it with other materials like leaves and grass clippings.
After a few weeks, you’ll have a nutrient-rich fertilizer that you can use to fertilize your garden or lawn.
4. Burying it
If you’re not interested in composting your dog’s poop, you can also bury it. To do this, simply dig a hole that is at least 8-10 inches deep and place the waste inside.
Make sure to cover up the hole when you are done so that other animals or people won’t be able to access it.
But you need to first check with local laws before burying the poop, as it may be illegal in some areas.
What To Do If You Have A Dog Poop-Related Clog
If you’re dealing with a dog poop-related clog, here are a few things you can try before calling a professional plumber:
1. Boiling Water
Pour boiling water down the toilet to try and dissolve whatever is stuck in the pipes. This method may take some time, but it can be an effective way of dealing with clogs caused by dog poop.
This will work most of the time if the clog is recent, but if it has been there for a while, you may need to use other methods.
2. Chemical Cleaners
If boiling water isn’t doing the trick, you can also try using a chemical cleaner. These are available at most home improvement stores and usually come in the form of powders, liquids, or drops.
Be sure to read the instructions on the label before using any chemical cleaners and always wear protective gear such as gloves and eye protection when handling them.
3. Plunger
Good old-fashioned plunging can often do the trick when it comes to clearing out clogs. This can be done by using a plunger with a cup-shaped end that covers the entire hole of the toilet bowl.
Push and pull the plunger up and down several times vigorously until you feel something give way or hear water gurgling in the pipes.
Final Thoughts
Though it may not seem like a big deal, dog poop can be hazardous to your plumbing system if it is not disposed of properly.
So make sure you take the time to clean up after your pup and dispose of the waste in an eco-friendly way so that you don’t have to worry about clogs or backups.
By following the tips outlined above, you can ensure that your plumbing system stays safe and free of any dog poop-related issues. Good luck!