Plumbing Safety Tips for Kids

It is just a fact of life that kids are curious. But when it comes to their favorite toy swimming in the toilet, it is probably time to teach them some plumbing safety. You should show your kids what to do, and not do, but also show them safety measures they can use in case of an emergency.

Safety:  Water Valve

As kids get older, they could find themselves at home alone. Go ahead and show them where the water valve cut off is located. So, in case of an emergency, like a flooded basement or overflowing toilet, they can shut it off.

Safety:  Tools for the Job

We think kids should know the basic difference in what tools are used for different things such as plumbing, carpentry and mechanics. Some common tools used for plumbing include a plunger, basin wrench, plumber or drain snake and a pipe wrench. Just like being able to change a car’s tire can come in handy, knowing how to use these tools could prevent, or stop, any future accidents.

Safety:  Toilet & Sink are Backed Up

Kids can be taught at an early age how to identify and remedy a backed-up sink and toilet. First of all, teach them what can and cannot go in the toilet before they start wanting to watch their toys swim. 

Parents, no matter what the packaging says, DO NOT flush baby wipes! They don’t break down like toilet paper, so you will end up with a backed-up sewage tank. And teach your children not to flush Q-tips, cotton swabs or feminine hygiene products down the toilet. This can lead to septic tank issues which could end up costing you thousands of dollars.

The same approach can be applied to the garbage disposal. Much like the toilet, there are things that do not belong in your garbage disposal. Some kids may like to hear the sound of the grinder tearing up food, but everything isn’t meant for the disposal or your pipes. Some of these include celery, coffee grounds, eggshells, grease, bones, and pasta – just to name a few!

Safety:  Water Heater

Your teens should know how to turn off the water heater, especially if your home has a gas water heater. For electric water heaters, there should be a breaker in the panel box that can shut it off with the flick of a switch.

Another safety issue to teach kids with regards to water heaters is storage, what can and cannot be stored by the water heater.  Toys, paints and solvents and combustible items can start a fire if they are stored too close to the water heater.