Kids start to get fascinated with water from their very first bath. That is why they revel at the sight of a kiddie pool… and even a bucket of water. This curiosity about water, however, can easily turn from fun to danger.
At all costs, you should try to avoid situations where your child would be at risk. Here are some plumbing basics that your kids should learn at every stage of their childhood:
TODDLER YEARS
These are the toy-flushing years when they believe their little friends can go for a swim down the toilet. During this stage, you should explain the basic laws of nature – gravity, pressure, and more. These may seem like a little too complex for toddlers, but you can explain it in a very elementary way. And they would get it – after all, they sent their ‘Duckie’ for a swim, so they know he’s going to end up in some other place. At a very early age, let your kids know that though it’s fascinating to play with the flush, you need your plumbing system to work so you can get water that’s safe to drink and cook with. You need your toilet to be able to get rid of wastes. You need clean water from the shower and the faucets to wash clothes. Make your child understand that their little ‘Duckie’ can cause problems and that it won’t be happy when he’s flushed down because he’ll end up in a dark, dirty, and stinky place.
ELEMENTARY YEARS
This is when your child shows interest in joining you in the kitchen. They either want to try and help you prepare food for the family or do the dishes after dinner. We encourage that you let them. However, you should first let them know of the dangers of gas and some other items in the kitchen. When it comes to plumbing, let them know how certain things can’t be washed away down your sink. If you need to, list the items on a post it and have it where your child can see it before he takes on the task of doing the dishes. Make sure you include leftover food, oil, and grease in your list. Also, train your kids to rinse dishes before they put them in the dishwasher. The same goes for the pockets of their clothes that go into the washing machine.
TEENAGE YEARS
By now, your child is old enough not to leave faucets running and not to flush toys down the toilet. But that doesn’t mean they are fully equipped with knowledge about plumbing emergencies. Teach your teenager how to plunge a sink and a toilet. Show him or her where the switch is so it can be turned off in case of a leak or worse, a flood. Make sure that he or she knows where to find the number of your trusted plumber from Hayes Plumbing so we can easily be contacted in case of an emergency.
Remember that when it comes to your children, proper guidance, not avoidance is the key to preventing plumbing disasters. It’s better that they understand the basics and the consequences of some actions, instead of just always closing the bathroom door.
