From clogged toilets to weak water pressure, plumbing issues can disrupt your day in more ways than one. If you have children, it can be even harder to tend to these problems. That’s why you should teach your little ones how to avoid them in the first place. 

How to Teach Your Child Plumbing Basics

1. The Toilet

When talking to your kids about plumbing, explain that the toilet is similar to their stomachs—if they fill it up too much, it’s going to get upset. If they’re starting to use the bathroom by themselves, show them how much toilet paper they should use. If they need to use more, remind them to flush in between each round.

Also, go over some common bathroom items that should go in the trash, not the toilet, such as floss picks, wipes, and cotton swabs.

2. The Kitchen Sink

When your little one starts to help around the kitchen, explain how the sink drain differs from the garbage disposal. First, tell them that the sink drain only takes water, soap suds, and whatever germs they wash away.

Explain that while the garbage disposal is stronger and can handle some small, soft food scraps, there are some pieces it won’t swallow. For example, tough items like peach pits, orange peels, and chicken bones should go in the trash.

3. Emergency Measures

Once your child reaches middle school, they’ll likely be left alone in the house from time to time. To be safe, you should show them how to handle a plumbing emergency. For example, if they find an overflowing toilet or burst pipe, they can shut off the water main valve for the room or the entire house.

When they’re a bit older, you may even feel comfortable showing them how to plunge a clogged toilet.

If problems arise during your child’s learning period, turn to Bigfoot Pumping & Thawing of North Pole, AK. They’ve helped residents of interior Alaska with a wide variety of plumbing services. Whether you need a sewer line camera inspection or emergency service for a clogged toilet, call them at (907) 488-9855, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To learn more about their services, visit the website.