When childproofing a house, most parents cover some of the most obvious solutions first – products like stair gates, cupboard locks and socket covers. During these early stages of preparing your home, one area that’s very often overlooked is the plumbing system. Just like sockets and stairs, your home’s plumbing can be seriously dangerous for your kids, and it’s important to take risk mitigation in this area seriously.
If you’re a bit stuck on where to begin with all this, the good news is that many of these safety upgrades are pretty simple and can make a big difference with not much effort. Below, we’ve compiled a practical guide to help you get started.
Temperature Controls
One of the biggest risks for young children is scalding. A bath that feels just right to you can be dangerously hot for a child’s sensitive skin, and you need to remember that disparity at all times.
Start by checking your hot water system. If it hasn’t been taken care of already, you’ll want to set your thermostat to a safe maximum, ideally not any higher than about 45 degrees centigrade. If you can’t figure out how to do so, you can always get someone to come over from a service like Able Plumbers and give your plumbing a quick check over.
Secure Fixtures
Loose or exposed fixtures can quickly become a curious kid’s next adventure. You’ll want to make sure that all of your pipes are properly insulated and secured, especially those that are within reach of low hands. Not only will this help to prevent unwanted contact with hot surfaces, but it also protects your home from damage.
It’s also probably worth fitting tap covers in your bathrooms and the kitchen. Some products even come with fun, colourful designs to make them more child-friendly while still serving a protective purpose.
Childproof Toilet Lids
Toilets can also be risky. Primarily, they’re an obvious drowning hazard, which isn’t helped by the fact that small children are often fascinated by them. The solution? A simple child proof toilet lock. This will stop the lid from being opened easily by prying hands, and should help to prevent accidental injuries, or soggy mishaps with toys.
If you use bleach or any other toxic chemicals in the cistern, then be extra sure that the toilet lid stays locked with the mechanism. Consuming even the tiniest amount of these cleaning chemicals can be dangerous, and it’s not something you want to leave up to chance.
Water Leaks
Slow leaks might seem like a small thing, but they can rapidly become a slipping hazard on certain kinds of flooring. Damp environments also encourage mould growth, which isn’t good for anyone, but especially not for children with allergies or asthma.
Routinely check under sinks, around taps, and behind appliances. Fix leaks as soon as reasonably possible, and consider installing leak detection sensors if you can, so that you get an alert if there’s any water where it shouldn’t be.
Childproofing your house can seem a little overwhelming at first, but by breaking it down into different sections, it needn’t be too difficult at all. Make sure that you prioritise your plumbing systems, to keep your children as safe as possible.
Please Note: I always strive to provide accurate and helpful information, but just a quick heads-up—I’m a blogger, not a doctor, lawyer, CPA, or any other kind of certified professional. I’m here to share my experiences and insights, but please make sure to use your own judgment and consult the right professionals when needed.
Also, I accept monetary compensation through affiliate links, advertising, guest posts, and sponsored partnerships on this site, however I am very particular about the products I endorse and only do so when I am truly a fan of the quality and result of the product.
