Heating & Plumbing Structures Attract Animals
If your pet has gone missing, check your air ducts early in the search. Cats have been found in ductwork during routine HVAC maintenance calls — animals can find their way in but struggle to get back out. The same goes for your plumbing system. If you hear whimpering or scratching inside a wall or pipe, don't wait — get professional help quickly.
Common Outdoor Critters That Find Their Way Inside
Wild animals typically enter plumbing or HVAC systems while searching for food or warmth. The ones our technicians encounter most often include:
- Squirrels — agile climbers that love attic and roof-level vents
- Rats — small enough to enter through drain lines and exterior pipe gaps
- Frogs — drawn to moisture inside plumbing systems
- Snakes — can enter through floor drains or low exterior openings
Preventive Measures You Can Take Now
Our technicians use sewer cameras and inspection tools to locate animals or nesting materials when there's an active problem. But prevention is always the better play. Here's what helps:
- Seal gaps and cracks around your furnace, ductwork, and exterior pipe penetrations
- Install screens or grates over vents — fine enough to block debris but not airflow
- Add flue and vent covers over fresh-air intakes, exhaust vents, and exposed pipe ends
- Schedule regular HVAC and plumbing inspections to catch entry points before animals do
- Clean your ducts to remove droppings, nesting materials, and allergens
- Keep vents dry — moisture and mold attract pests
- Store pet food and treats in airtight containers to eliminate odors that draw wildlife
- Use wire mesh around plumbing entry and exit points without blocking drainage
When to Call a Professional
If you suspect an animal has already made its way into your ductwork or plumbing — or you just want peace of mind before a problem starts — our team can perform a comprehensive inspection of your system's entry and exit points. We'll use camera equipment to get eyes on areas that aren't visible to the naked eye and recommend the right fix.
Suspect an animal issue or want your vents and plumbing checked out? Call American Rooter & Drain at (208) 366-5771 or book online — we'll send an expert out to take a look.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if my pet goes missing near HVAC or plumbing?
Check your air ducts early in the search — cats have been found in ductwork during routine HVAC maintenance calls because animals can find their way in but struggle to get back out. If you hear whimpering or scratching inside a wall or pipe, get professional help quickly.
What kinds of wild animals get into plumbing or HVAC systems?
The most common culprits are squirrels, which climb into attic and roof-level vents; rats, which enter through drain lines and exterior pipe gaps; frogs, drawn to moisture inside plumbing systems; and snakes, which can enter through floor drains or low exterior openings.
How can I prevent animals from getting into my vents and pipes?
Seal gaps and cracks around your furnace, ductwork, and exterior pipe penetrations; install screens or grates over vents; add flue and vent covers; schedule regular HVAC and plumbing inspections; clean your ducts; keep vents dry; store pet food in airtight containers; and use wire mesh around plumbing entry points.
How do professionals check for animals in ductwork or plumbing?
Technicians use sewer cameras and inspection tools to locate animals or nesting materials, getting eyes on entry and exit points that aren't visible to the naked eye before recommending the right fix.
