4 Common Plumbing Problems and Solutions for Parents
Here are four common problems that parents of kids under 6 face and how to handle them.
02/02/2020
image benjaminfranklinmb.com
If you're the parent of a young child,
you know life can be unpredictable. You always
worry about ways your little one might hurt him
or herself, and you constantly danger-proof your
house. Did you ever consider, however, that you
might also need to childproof your plumbing?
Here are four common problems that parents of
kids under 6 face and how to handle them.
Clogged Drains
That tub drain might seem innocuous to you, but to a toddler, it's a magical opening through which to stick toys, snacks, and more. And often, you don't realize there's a Lego down your drain until it's too late. Prevent your curious child from accidentally causing clogs by installing covers on easily accessible drains. This includes not only your tub but also floor drains such as those in basements and laundry rooms. If you have push-plug drains in your bathroom sinks, make sure they stay plugged when not in use.
Toilet Troubles
Similarly, your young child might find toilet openings to be fun places to stick things that can cause clogs. Toilets can also be drowning hazards if your child falls in or could cause illness if he or she tries to drink its unsanitary water. Prevent any of these scenarios by placing a simple lock on the toilet lid. They're easy for adults to unlatch, but not the tiny hands of toddlers.
Another scenario parents commonly face is constant toilet flushing. While your toddler might find it amusing, you know it's annoying and wastes water. Put a stop to overflushing by installing a lock on the flush lever.
Leaky Pipes
You should always have your pipes inspected by a professional as soon as you detect a leak, but this maintenance step is even more important when you have small kids. Little leaks can turn into big problems quickly. The resulting moisture buildup in your home can also lead to harmful mold growth. Mold can cause you and your family to suffer from health issues such as congestion, sneezing, a runny nose, and skin or eye irritation, and small children are particularly susceptible.
Prevent issues with your pipes from occurring in the first place by having a plumber inspect them annually and by having repairs made immediately.
Hot Water Risks
Small children might find the knobs on sinks or tubs fun to play with. Without understanding how to adjust temperature properly, however, this makes them vulnerable to hot water burns or scalding. Avoid this dangerous scenario by having temperature regulating fixtures installed on commonly used sinks. With these devices, the water can only get so hot before it stops flowing or mixes with cold water to cool down. As your child ages, teach him or her the difference between the hot and cold handles and to turn the cold one on first.
Make sure to supervise your kids in
the bathroom and near plumbing fixtures to
prevent injuries or problems. And take the time
to teach them what to do and not to do around
toilets and drains as they get old enough to
understand. By following these four tips, you
can focus less on dealing with plumbing repairs
and more on spending time with your children.