When Bears Meet Your Backyard Plumbing: El Dorado County’s Battle to Protect Outdoor Water Systems
Living in the scenic foothills of El Dorado County comes with breathtaking views, fresh mountain air, and an unexpected challenge that many homeowners never see coming: curious bears with a knack for destroying outdoor plumbing fixtures. El Dorado County Ordinance 5083, the Bear-Proof Garbage Can Requirements Ordinance, establishes requirements for the proper storage of residential and commercial garbage in the unincorporated portions of El Dorado County that lie within the boundaries of the Silver Fork… While this ordinance addresses garbage storage, it highlights just how serious the bear problem has become in the region.
The Growing Wildlife Challenge
El Dorado County homeowners are discovering that bears don’t just raid garbage cans—they’re increasingly targeting outdoor plumbing systems and pool equipment. You may remember not long ago when Jellybean was so interested in the water pipe that feeds the Cubby Pool and managed to break it, not once, but twice. Another cub has decided to try and “fix” the plumbing, although in a different enclosure, and a different pool. This real-world example from Appalachian Bear Rescue demonstrates bears’ fascination with water systems and their destructive potential.
Bear in pool: Though not super common, sometimes end up in our backyards and take a swim, especially when it’s super-hot or there’s no water around. They pose serious safety risks and can damage your pool. The combination of California’s dry summers and bears seeking water sources creates a perfect storm for property damage.
Protecting Your Outdoor Water Spigots
Outdoor water spigots are particularly vulnerable to wildlife damage. Outdoor spigots, also known as hose bibs or sillcocks, are plumbing fixtures that provide water outside your home. They are usually located on the exterior walls of your house and have a threaded outlet to which you can attach a hose or other watering tool. Outdoor spigots are connected to your home’s plumbing system and are typically made of brass or copper. These fixtures attract bears not only because of the water they provide but also due to their accessible location and the sounds they make when water flows through them.
Smart homeowners are implementing several protective strategies:
- Secure Enclosures: Installing bear-resistant boxes around outdoor spigots, similar to the approach used for garbage storage
- Motion-Activated Deterrents: By purchasing an automatic sprinkler, spray nearby animals with a burst of water, scaring them off. Some sprinklers come with built-in inferred beams to detect when a pesky beast lurks nearby.
- Winterization and Maintenance: During the winter, disconnect your hoses from your outdoor spigots and store them indoors. This will prevent water from freezing in the hoses and causing damage to your spigots.
- Natural Repellents: Natural repellents such as vinegar sprays, citrus peels, or essential oils (such as peppermint and eucalyptus) can discourage animals from approaching.
Pool Equipment Protection Strategies
Pool owners face unique challenges in bear country. While these visitors can be charming, they also bring hygiene, safety, and maintenance concerns for pool owners. They can contaminate the water with feces, urine, and parasites, introducing harmful bacteria that pose health risks to swimmers.
Effective pool protection measures include:
- Physical Barriers: Pool covers keep out all kinds of debris, but they can also act as a physical barrier against wildlife. The most effective covers are tightly fitted, sturdy, and able to withstand the weight of animals without collapsing.
- Fencing Systems: Fencing is another critical component of keeping your backyard clean, acting as a barrier against wildlife and other unwanted items. Mesh fencing with fine grids also works to keep smaller animals like frogs and rodents at bay.
- Equipment Enclosures: Securing pool pumps, heaters, and filtration systems in bear-resistant enclosures prevents costly damage and maintains water quality
Professional Solutions and Local Expertise
Given the complexity of wildlife-resistant plumbing installations, many homeowners are turning to professional help. El Dorado County experiences chilly winters, especially in higher elevations like South Lake Tahoe and Pollock Pines. Frigid temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and burst, leading to costly repairs and water damage. The combination of wildlife threats and harsh weather conditions makes professional installation and maintenance crucial.
When selecting a Plumber El Dorado County, CA, homeowners should look for companies with experience in wildlife-resistant installations. We are your go-to for plumbing services in Cameron Park, CA; no one can exceed our service standards because our plumbers have years of working experience. Ours is renowned as one of the best plumbing companies in Cameron Park, CA; we are the most prominent plumbers to take customer satisfaction as our only focus and ensure quality is ever-present in our service.
Seasonal Considerations and Maintenance
Wildlife behavior changes with the seasons. During the heat of summer, animals such as deer and raccoons are more likely to visit your swimming pool in search of water. Fall brings foraging mammals like squirrels and raccoons, while winter may encourage animals to explore pools as an alternative shelter or water source.
Year-round maintenance is essential for bear-resistant systems. Check for leaks, corrosion, or damage at least twice a year. Spring and fall inspections work great since you’re already doing yard work anyway. Regular inspections ensure that protective measures remain effective and that minor issues don’t become major problems.
The Investment in Protection
While implementing bear-resistant plumbing and pool protection requires an upfront investment, the cost of prevention pales in comparison to the expense of repeated repairs and potential safety hazards. Suggested I may have needed an additional service but upon further inspection- they let us know it wasn’t needed. This was so professional considering they could’ve easily charged us anyway. They made a loyal customer of me in just 1 trip. Working with honest, experienced professionals ensures that homeowners get effective solutions without unnecessary expenses.
As El Dorado County continues to grow and wildlife habitat overlaps with residential areas, bear-resistant outdoor plumbing isn’t just a luxury—it’s becoming a necessity. By taking proactive steps to protect water spigots and pool equipment, homeowners can enjoy their mountain lifestyle while coexisting peacefully with the local wildlife. The key is combining proper installation, regular maintenance, and professional expertise to create systems that work for both humans and their wild neighbors.