Teaching Your Kids About Basic Plumbing

At an early age kids are fascinated with water, toilets, and everything else they can get their hands on. As soon as you turn your back on your kid, they have their hands down the toilet splashing that water with a giant smile on their face. You can't help but laugh along with them, even though you have to explain to them that they can't do that.

We have to explain to our kids the importance of plumbing. Teaching our children that plumbing follows the basic laws of nature, gravity, pressure, water seeking it's own level might seem like a lot but they understand. Kids are very smart. That's why they are always trying to flush their toys, your keys, loads of paper towels, loose change, and stuffed animals down the toilet. They understand that if they put it in there and flush it will disappear into another dimension.

They have to be taught that it's not magic. It might be fun, but it will cause a lot of damage to your pipes and to your pockets. Kids have to understand that their health depends on a properly functioning plumbing system. They need to use the toilet, they need for everything to drain and not be backed up. They need safe drinking water coming into the house, they need clean water to shower and clean up with. Without it we would be living back in the stone ages.

At a early age they should know not to flush:

• Toys- Yes Aqua Man can swim, but he can stay in the bathtub 
• Wipes- baby wipes, cleaning wipes, even wipes that say "flushable"
• Q-Tips- they are skinny, but it can cause obstruction in the pipes
• Diapers- when kids are learning to potty train, they think it's ok to take off that diaper and put it in the toilet. Big No!

For kids who are old enough to help you with the dishes:

• Don't dispose of grease, bones, stringy vegetables, corn husks, potato peels, pasta, or any anything starchy down the garbage disposal.
• Explain to them that they should properly clean the dishes before placing them in the dishwasher. 

When they are old enough to be left home alone:

• They should know how to shut the water off to the entire house if there is an emergency leak
• Plunge the toilet 
• Plunge the sink

We have to teach our kids to be independent, strong and able to handle simple plumbing issues. 

If you have any questions or concerns email or call me

Kevin Szabo Jr 

(708)845-7922

kevinszabojrplumbing@yahoo.com