Find out the right way of giving your dog a bath from the experts - plumbers!

Dawn S • February 28, 2023

Suggestions that will keep you and your furry friend happy.

If you want save the expense of bathing your dog yourself, it’s really no big deal. The Hamilton Plumbers at A Rescue Rooter have some suggestions that will keep you and your furry friend happy. 


Before you get started, gather the supplies you will need. That means the right shampoo. Talk to your vet, ask other dog owners what they use or make a trip to the pet store. The shampoo humans use isn’t good for a dog’s skin. Have a couple of cotton balls ready to put in your dog’s ears to stop water from entering the dog’s ear canals. Have the towels you will use ready to go. Keep them and the supplies you will use close by. Give your dog a good brush so there will be no knots to make brushing out the pup after the bath easier.

 

Brushing the dog before the bath will remove loose fur and help prevent clogged bathtub drains. Speaking of preventing bathtub drain clogs, you should think about purchasing a cover screen to put over the drain to catch the fur that comes loose. If you don’t have one of those, place steel wool in the drain and that will do the trick trapping your dog’s fur to prevent a clogged bathtub.


When you’ve gathered the supplies and brushed the dog, you can get started with the bath. Put your dog in the bath and wet him down with lukewarm water, apply the shampoo then rinse him off making sure all the shampoo has been removed. The professionals suggest to work from the neck down. Don’t forget to avoid his eyes. When you’re finished, use a clean towel to dry him off and a separate towel for the face and ears. Don’t forget to remove the cotton balls in his ears. If you want to brush him, wait until the fur is dry.


Your pup is now all clean! If fur has made its way down the drain and you have a clogged bathtub drain, don’t fret. It sometimes happens. If you want to tackle the drain clog yourself, just put baking soda and vinegar in the drain, let it bubble then after about 30 mins pour hot water down the clogged bathtub drain. Problem solved! 


However, if the drain clog is very stubborn, the Hamilton plumbers at A Rescue Rooter will resolve your clogged bathtub. They are available 24/7 and will never charge you a premium for an emergency. For all your commercial, domestic and industrial plumbing needs, you can trust A Rescue Rooter. Contact them at (905) 521-8284 or online at www.arescuerooter.ca. They are a family run business who are always ready to help you in Hamilton. A Rescue Rooter will provide you with a free quote too. They are fully insured and have all your plumbing needs covered. They will assist with any of your plumbing needs from clogged bathtubs to hot water heaters to septic tank systems. 

The Hidden Checklist Most Homeowners Miss When Hiring a Plumber in Hamilton

By Chelsey Smith • April 24, 2026
When a pipe bursts or a drain backs up, most people panic and call the first name they find online. But choosing the wrong plumber can cost you far more than the original problem. If you’re searching for reliable Hamilton plumbers , knowing what to look for can save you time, money, and serious stress. Here’s how to confidently choose a reputable plumber and make sure they’re properly licensed.

How to Use a Plunger Properly

By Chelsey Smith • April 2, 2026
When a drain backs up, panic often sets in—but before you reach for harsh chemicals or call it a lost cause, a simple plunger can often do the trick. Knowing how to use the right type of plunger—and how to use it correctly—can save you time, money, and stress. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use both toilet and sink plungers effectively, and when it’s time to call in the professionals at A Rescue Rooter in Southern Ontario.

Spring Thaw: How to Protect Your Home's Pipes

February 27, 2026
As the snow melts and the first green shoots of spring appear, it feels natural to breathe a sigh of relief. The harsh winter is finally behind us, and warmer days are ahead. However, while you are ready to welcome the sunshine, your home’s plumbing system might be facing its most difficult challenge of the year.  The transition from freezing winter temperatures to the damp warmth of spring creates specific environmental changes that can stress your pipes. Understanding what happens beneath the ground during the "spring thaw" is the first step in protecting your home from unexpected leaks and water damage. By staying vigilant and knowing what to look for, you can ensure your plumbing transitions into the new season as smoothly as you do. How the Spring Thaw Affects Your Plumbing It is easy to assume that the danger to your pipes passes once the sub-zero temperatures vanish. In reality, the thawing process can be just as damaging as the freezing process. When the ground freezes, it expands. As it thaws, the soil contracts and shifts. This movement can put immense pressure on your home's water and sewer lines buried underground. If the earth shifts too dramatically, it can cause pipes to crack, bend, or even detach completely. Additionally, the spring thaw brings water—lots of it. Melting snow saturates the soil, raising the water table. This excess water puts hydrostatic pressure on your foundation and pipes, potentially leading to basement flooding if your drainage systems aren't working perfectly. Common Signs of Pipe Damage Because much of your plumbing is hidden behind walls or buried underground, you might not notice an issue until it becomes a significant problem. Keep a close eye on your property this season for these tell-tale signs of distress: 1. Soggy patches in the yard If it hasn't rained recently, but you notice distinct wet, spongy, or unusually green patches of grass in your yard, this could indicate a leak in your underground water line. The escaping water rises to the surface, creating a localized swamp. 2. Low water pressure A sudden drop in water pressure throughout the house is often a symptom of a breach in the main line. If the water isn't reaching your faucets with the usual force, it may be escaping somewhere else along the route. 3. Unpleasant odors If your sewer line has been compromised by shifting soil or infiltrating tree roots (which become active in spring), you may smell sewage inside your home or out in the yard. This is an urgent issue that requires immediate attention. 4. Unexpectedly high water bills Sometimes the signs are financial rather than physical. If your water usage hasn't changed but your bill has spiked, water is likely leaking from a pipe somewhere on your property. Preventive Measures for Homeowners While you cannot control the weather or the shifting soil, there are several steps you can take to minimize the risk of damage during the spring thaw. Test your sump pump: This is your first line of defense against meltwater. Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to ensure the pump activates and drains the water effectively. If it doesn't, you need to repair or replace it before the heavy spring rains arrive. Clear your gutters and downspouts: Ensure that melting snow and spring rain can flow freely away from your home’s foundation. Clogged gutters can cause water to pool around the base of your house, increasing pressure on basement pipes and the foundation. Check outdoor faucets: Once the threat of frost is truly gone, turn on your outdoor spigots to check for flow. If you place your thumb over the opening and can stop the flow of water, the pressure is too low, indicating a potential leak inside the pipe. When to Call the Professionals Plumbing issues can be stressful, and it is often difficult to know if a problem is a simple DIY fix or a professional emergency. We understand that your home is your sanctuary, and dealing with water damage is disruptive and upsetting. If you notice persistent low pressure, damp spots on your drywall, or standing water in your yard, it is time to call for help. Attempting to dig up underground pipes or fix complex sewer lines on your own can often lead to further damage and higher costs. At Rescue Rooter, we have the specialized equipment to inspect underground lines without destroying your yard. Our team can identify cracks caused by the spring thaw and provide efficient, lasting solutions. We are here to help restore your peace of mind so you can get back to enjoying the warmer weather. Enjoying a Worry-Free Spring Spring should be a time of renewal and enjoyment, not a time spent worrying about wet basements or broken pipes. By keeping an eye out for the signs of shifting soil and testing your drainage systems early, you can catch small issues before they become major headaches. And remember, if the thaw does bring unexpected plumbing challenges, you don't have to face them alone—Rescue Rooter is just a phone call away.
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