As your family grows, several of your plumbing issues may be caused by your children who aren’t aware of how the system works. While you can't prevent every accidentally flushed toy, start teaching your little ones how to use your home’s water fixtures.

What to Teach Kids About Plumbing

1. What Goes Down the Drain

Kids may be fascinated with the way water swirls as it’s flushed and disappears down the drain. It’s common for curious kids to put toys and other objects in the water to see how they move with the current; however, large obstructions can cause blockages. Since some children may think that toilet water and tub water are the same, take the time to explain that these two liquids are different and stress that even floating bath toys can’t go inside the bowl.

2. Why You Should Turn off the Water

As you teach your child to wash their hands and brush their teeth, make sure to include saving water as part of the routine. Don’t let the water run while your child cleans their hands. Explain that there’s a limited supply of clean water in the world and a running faucet wastes it.

3. Where the Shutoff Valve Is

When the toilet is malfunctioning, the bowl’s water could fill and overflow, flooding your bathroom floor. When they’re old enough, teach your child where the valve is so that they can stop the flow of water when needed. The shutoff valve is typically located toward the back of the toilet, but you can put a sticker or tie a bow to it so that it’s easy to spot during an emergency.

If your little one accidentally causes an issue, reach out to the team at Waialae Plumbing & Construction in Honolulu, HI. For over 25 years, these professionals have provided Oahu homeowners with a variety of plumbing services, including toilet repair and faucet installation. Read customer reviews on Yelp, or call (808) 735-8595 to schedule an appointment.