Whether you have an underground pipe for irrigation, drainage, or another purpose, it is important to take steps to protect it from burrowing animals. Underground pipes are often the target of burrowing animals, such as moles, gophers, and groundhogs. They can cause serious damage to the pipes, causing them to break or become blocked. This article will discuss some of the best ways to protect your underground pipe from these animals.
Monitor Your Property for Signs of Animal Activity
Monitoring your property for signs of animal activity is an important way to protect your underground pipe from burrowing animals. Some common signs of animal activity include digging holes, trampled vegetation, and distinctive piles of dirt or debris. If you notice any of these signs near your underground pipe, it is important to take action to deter the animals from digging.
Only after knowing the type of animal you’re dealing with can you choose the best method of deterrence. However, even if you are unsure what type of animal is causing the damage, don’t wait too long to take action. The longer you wait, the more damage the animal can cause, and the more you will pay a plumber to fix it.
Place Wire Mesh Over the Top of Your Underground Pipe
One way to protect your underground pipes from burrowing animals is to place wire mesh over the top of the pipe. The wire mesh will create a barrier that the animals cannot dig through, thereby preventing animals from being able to access the pipe. The wire mesh will also help to support the pipe and prevent it from collapsing.
You may also want to add a layer of concrete or stone on top of the wire mesh to further deter animals from trying to dig through it. While this may not be the most aesthetically pleasing option, it is a practical way to protect your underground pipes from burrowing animals. You should hire a plumber to ensure it is done correctly. Otherwise, you run the risk of damaging your pipe or having the wire mesh not be effective.
Clear Shrubs and Vegetation Close to Your Pipes
Burrowing animals find habitat and food near bushes and other vegetation. As a result, these animals are more likely to dig around your underground pipe if there is vegetation nearby. To deter animals from burrowing around your pipe, it is important to clear any shrubs or vegetation close to the pipe. These animals also use shrubs and vegetation as cover while they are digging. As such, clear any shrubs or vegetation close to your underground pipes. This will remove the animals’ cover, making it more difficult for them to dig without being detected.
Clearing away shrubs and vegetation will allow you better to monitor your property for signs of animal activity. Therefore, if you don’t want to hire a plumber in Deerfield Beach, FL, to fix an underground pipe that a burrowing animal has damaged, you should clear away any shrubs or vegetation near the pipe.
Seal Up Any Holes or Cracks In the Surface Above the Pipe
Another way to prevent burrowing animals from accessing your underground pipe is to seal up any holes or cracks in the surface above the pipe. These animals can often access the pipes through small holes or cracks in the ground. Sealing up these holes and cracks will make it more difficult for the animals to access your underground pipe. Various materials can be used to seal up holes or cracks, including expanding foam, caulk, or concrete. Once the material has been applied, it is important to smooth it out so that animals will not be able to get a foothold.
Sealing up these holes and cracks will also help to prevent water from leaking into the hole and causing further damage to your pipe. You should hire a plumber or another professional to do this for you. Otherwise, you risk worsening the problem or not sealing the hole correctly.
Consult a Professional On the Material of Your Pipe
The material of your pipe can also affect how susceptible it is to damage from burrowing animals. Some materials, such as PVC, are more resistant to damage from burrowing animals than others. As a result, if you have an underground pipe made of PVC, you may not need to take as many precautions to protect it from these animals. However, if your pipe is made of less durable material, such as clay, you will need to take more steps to protect it.
Your pipe size can also affect how susceptible it is to damage from burrowing animals. Smaller pipes are more likely to be damaged by these animals than larger pipes. If you have a small pipe, you will need to take more stringent measures to protect it. You should consult a professional plumber in Deerfield Beach, FL, to determine the best way to protect your pipe from burrowing animals.
Regular Inspection
While there are various ways to protect your underground pipe from burrowing animals, the best way to prevent damage is to hire a plumber regularly in Deerfield Beach, FL, for an inspection. This will allow you to catch any problems early and take steps to fix them before they cause serious damage.
Regular professional plumber inspection will also allow you to identify any potential weak points in your pipe that burrowing animals could exploit. Taking these steps can prevent serious damage to your underground pipe and save you a lot of money.
Want to Learn More? Contact Us Today!
If you want to learn more about how to protect your underground pipe from burrowing animals, contact us today at MainLine Plumbing. Our plumbers are experts in pipe repair and can help you take measures to protect your pipe. We offer various services, including pipe inspection, repair, and replacement. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our plumbers are available 24/7 to address your concerns.