Tips to Teach Your Kids Basic Plumbing Skills (and When to Seek Professional Help!)

Teaching your kids basic plumbing skills not only equips them with useful life knowledge but can also save you time and money on minor repairs around the house. From understanding the workings of a tap washer to unclogging drains, these practical skills offer your children a sense of independence and problem-solving capabilities. Before you begin, remember that safety comes first, so always supervise your kids closely and make sure they know the risks involved, such as handling hot pipes or using tools.

However, it is equally important to recognise when a task is beyond your or your child’s capabilities. Some plumbing issues require a professional touch from Perth plumbing experts like Proud Plumbing to ensure they are fixed properly and safely. Knowing how to distinguish between a DIY job and a task for the professionals is crucial to prevent any mishaps or further damage to your home’s plumbing system.

Understanding the Basics

Before you start imparting plumbing skills to your kids, it’s essential to familiarise them with the common tools and terminology used in plumbing.

Identifying Common Plumbing Tools

Every plumber knows their tools are key for a successful job. You’ll want to acquaint your children with these essentials:

Adjustable Wrench: This versatile tool adjusts to fit nuts and bolts of various sizes.
Plunger: A must-have for unclogging drains and toilets, it’s often a first resort before any complex tools are required.
Pipe Wrench: Used to grip and turn pipes, its heavy-duty design can handle the toughness of metal pipes.
Tape Measure: Ensuring accurate measurements are crucial in plumbing tasks.

Familiarity with these tools will provide a solid foundation for understanding their practical applications.

Learning Basic Plumbing Terminology

Being versed in basic plumbing terms can significantly enhance your kids’ understanding:

P-Trap: The curved section of drainpipe under a sink, designed to trap debris and prevent clogs.
Flange: A flat rim or edge used for strength, such as the part of the toilet that connects to the floor.
O-ring: A small round gasket used to prevent water leaks in faucets and valves.

Introducing these terms early establishes a language your kids can use as they learn more complex plumbing concepts.

Practical Skills for the Young DIYer

Teaching your kids basic plumbing can empower them with useful life skills and encourage their independence. Below are some safe and practical activities they can manage, which will also help you to determine when it might be time to call in the professionals.

Clearing Simple Blockages

A blocked sink or basin can often be resolved with simple tools and techniques. Firstly, ensure your kids know to always wear gloves for hygiene and safety. Introduce them to the plunger and illustrate the proper technique: cover the plughole entirely with the plunger, apply a firm pressure, and use a consistent pumping action to dislodge the blockage. If the plunger isn’t effective, guide them on using a drain snake or auger. Insert it into the drain, twist to catch the obstruction, and gently pull it out. This skill will teach them how to tackle minor blockages without the use of harsh chemicals.

Fixing a Leaky Tap

A dripping tap is not just a noise nuisance but can also waste a substantial amount of water. Instruct your kids to first turn off the water supply to the tap. Then, demonstrate the use of a wrench and show them how to remove the tap’s handle. This will reveal the tap washer and O-ring. Explain to them that these parts can wear out and may be the cause of the leak. They can replace these components with new ones, which are available at local hardware stores. After reassembling the tap, make sure that it no longer leaks and operates smoothly. This task can impart the understanding of basic mechanics and the importance of maintaining household fittings.

When to Call a Professional

Identifying the right moment to engage a professional plumber is crucial to maintaining your home’s plumbing system effectively and preventing minor issues from escalating into major problems.

Recognising Complex Plumbing Issues

When your plumbing concerns go beyond the basics, it’s time to contact an expert. Here are signs you need a professional:

Persistent blockages: If your drains repeatedly clog, despite efforts to clear them, the problem may lie deeper within your piping system.
Water pressure woes: Low water pressure throughout the house, with no obvious cause, can indicate serious issues that require professional diagnosis.
Strange noises: Banging, whistling, or gurgling sounds coming from your pipes hint at possible malfunctions within the system.

Safety Considerations

Your safety is paramount. In certain situations, it’s best to step aside for the safety of yourself and your family:

Gas line problems: If you suspect a gas leak or need repairs on a gas appliance, immediately stop and call a licensed gas fitter. DIY gas work is exceptionally risky.
Major leaks: Major water leaks can lead to structural damage or electrical risks. A professional can manage these issues while following the necessary safety protocols.
Electrical hazards: Contact with water and electricity can be deadly. So, plumbing work near electrical systems must be handled with extreme caution and often requires a professional’s expertise.