Children are generally fascinated with things they do not know. They like to experiment and are curious and intrigued about how things are done. Just like the toilet, they flush everything they find on it. It may be hilarious for us at first until you start seeing cell phones, wallets, your favorite perfume, or your car keys swimming in the bowl. That's when your problem starts. Learn from these following ideas.
Have a One-on-One Talk
Flushing everything down the toilet attracts children. Little did they know that it will be a big and expensive problem for you. It might be magical to them to touch the flushed button, the rushing of water, and things never coming back. Explain to your kids how the hole and pipe where their waste passes through is not big enough for the things they are flushing. Tell them how their favorite toy will not be coming back and sometimes irreplaceable if they clean it.
Most children may heed to reprimand, but for some, they will do it repeatedly. Make them understand that it is not right to do that, and what are the resulting consequences of their action will be.
Turn Off the Water Supply
They want to hear the sound that the flush makes. It is one of the reasons they do it so often. Cut the water supply, turn off the switch found at the base of the bowl. It prevents the tank from filling. Keep it empty and open it on, only when you need to use it. They might lose interest if every time they flush it, there's no water coming out. Aside from this, it can save you a lot on your water bill.
Install a Lid Lock
It is the simplest way to prevent toilet accidents. There is a toilet lock that can be put easily using the adhesive tape that comes with the product. Lid lock is affordable, and you can put it yourself. You would not want a slow flushing toilet and needing to call a plumber because of all the things that are stuck in your toilet bowl. Lid Lock is designed to prevent the children from dangerous situations. Adults can only release it. You can make sure that they can only use the toilet with the supervision of an older member of the family.
Keep the Door Locked
If you find it troublesome to always lock your toilet lid, then close the door instead. Install a hook and eye lock high where children cannot reach it. However, this method is reliable only if you and your house member are diligent in keeping the door locked. Remember, it only takes one person to leave it unlocked to put your toddler at risk.
They can slip on a wet floor or fall headfirst on the toilet bowl. According to the survey, the toilet is an overlooked drowning hazard in the house. Toddlers can drown in 1 to 2 inches of standing water. If you want to follow this method, you'd better talk to all your family members first and advise them on what to do and what is at stake.
Have a Yearly Check on Your Plumbing
Most plumbing specialists will recommend you arrange for a plumbing inspection at least once every two years. Nonetheless, there are several other situations where the review can take place more regularly. Such a situation is when you have kids at home.
Broken or cracked pipes, backed up sewage, are a problem we can not just ignore. It might cause accidents or even sickness to the family member, like a broken hose that might contaminate your drinking water. It is essential to have your plumbing checked regularly.
People use the toilet every day. It is a part of our daily routine. It is best and even sanitary to use a clean and clogged toilet. Teach your children to use it properly, to flush, and to be careful of the things they are putting on it. Lead them away from the toilet after each use, and they will eventually get used to flushing that it will not be a great deal for them.
As parents, be proactive and discipline ourselves. Don't leave flushable items out near the toilet. Don't throw everything down the toilet like baby diapers, wipes, tampons, and even grease from the kitchen. Remember, having a plumber go to your house to fix things is another expense and will dent your budget, besides the embarrassment of finding out what caused the problem.
