Summer’s Here — So Is Extra Water Use!
With summer vacation in full swing, your kids and teens will be spending much more time at home. That means more flushing, more handwashing, more showers—and more opportunities to teach them about responsible plumbing habits. Whether they’re raiding the kitchen for snacks or helping out with chores that involve sinks, hoses, or laundry, summer is the perfect season to educate kids about water usage, plumbing basics, and how to prevent costly problems. With a little guidance, you can turn everyday moments into lifelong lessons that’ll save you money and prepare them for adulthood.
Water Conservation 101: Easy Ways to Save Every Day
Teaching your kids a few simple habits can go a long way toward conserving water and lowering your utility bills. Here are a few starter tips that kids and teens can easily follow:
- Turn off the faucet when brushing teeth. A running faucet can waste up to 4 gallons of water each time. Brushing twice a day without running water can save up to 56 gallons per week for just one person.
- Take shorter showers. The average shower uses 2.1 gallons per minute. Cutting showers from 10 minutes to 5 minutes can save over 73 gallons per week per person.
- Opt for baths instead of showers (occasionally). A partially filled tub uses less water than a long shower—especially for younger kids.
- Use full loads only. Whether it’s the dishwasher or washing machine, only run them when they’re full. This can save hundreds of gallons a month.
Encourage your kids to track their own water savings for a fun summer challenge—and reward them for their efforts!
What NOT to Do: Common Causes of Clogs
It’s just as important to teach kids what not to do when it comes to drains and pipes. Many plumbing issues are caused by everyday items being flushed or poured where they shouldn’t be:
- Kitchen clogs often come from pouring grease, oil, potato peelings, and melon rinds down the sink. These substances harden in the pipes and cause blockages.
- Toilet troubles stem from using too much toilet paper or flushing paper towels, wipes, or facial tissue—all of which don’t break down like toilet paper does.
- Bathroom sink slowdowns happen when hair, toothpaste, and makeup are left to rinse down the drain.
Gently remind your kids and teens: The toilet is not a trash can, and neither is the sink or disposal. When in doubt, it belongs in the trash!
DIY Plumbing Basics: Summer Is the Time to Learn
Once your kids know what not to do, summer is the perfect time to teach them some basic DIY plumbing skills. These are small, safe, and easy tasks that build confidence and independence:
- Learning how to handle simple tools
- Understanding how home systems work
- Being more mindful about how they use wate
Plumbing Tasks Kids Can Learn (With Supervision)
Using a Plunger
Show kids how to create a tight seal and use steady force to clear a clog in a toilet or sink. It’s one of the most basic—and most useful—plumbing skills they’ll ever learn.
Troubleshooting a Running Toilet
Lift the tank lid and show them how the flapper works. Often, a running toilet is due to a loose chain or a seal that isn’t closing. A quick adjustment can stop the water from running nonstop.
Fixing a Leaky Faucet
A dripping faucet wastes water and can drive up your water bill. Older kids can help tighten handles or replace a worn-out washer under supervision.
Turning Off the Water Heater
Explain where the water heater is and how to safely turn it off in case of an emergency. Knowing where the shut-off valve is—and how to use it—is important for everyone in the home.
Important Safety Reminder: All drain cleaners, detergents, and plumbing chemicals must be stored in childproof cabinets. Never allow kids to use chemical products without adult supervision.
Wrap-Up: Teach Today, Save Tomorrow
Teaching your kids and teens a few basic plumbing habits can help you avoid expensive problems and reduce your water bill all summer long. More importantly, you’re giving them essential life skills that will benefit them as future homeowners or renters. With just a little time and patience, you’ll raise responsible, water-wise kids who’ll thank you later.
From all of us at All Season Rooter and Plumbing, here’s to a safe, fun, and clog-free summer!