How to Baby Proof Your Home's Plumbing System

When you plan to welcome a new baby into your household, chances are you are making changes to your house to ensure everything is ready for the new arrival. One thing you may not have thought about is making changes or upgrades to your home's plumbing system.

Plumbing is not typically the first thing you may think about when you plan for a baby. Your home's plumbing system is vital to the care and comfort of a new baby in a variety of ways. Here are some things you should consider.

Consider Upgrading for Efficiency

When you welcome a new baby, the goal is to make everything easier and more comfortable for the new parents. One way to do this is to upgrade to some more efficient plumbing options. One upgrade is to install a diaper sprayer. A diaper sprayer is particularly helpful if you plan to use cloth diapers for your baby.

A diaper sprayer is a tool you install on the toilet to help clean the diapers. With a diaper sprayer, you can more easily remove solid waste from the diapers and dispose of it into the toilet. This tool makes the cleaning process much more efficient and helps make the cleanup much faster.

You may also want to consider the installation of a water softener. A water softener is not only great for a new baby, but also for everyone in your household. Hard water contains minerals which will dry out the hair and skin. Hard water is especially harsh on a new baby's skin. The added minerals in hard water also has an impact on your laundry.

Consider Adding Baby-Proof and Baby-Safe Plumbing Products

When you think about baby-proofing, thoughts may automatically turn to cabinet locks and outlet covers. However, you may also want to think about the addition of some plumbing products in your baby-proofing efforts.

One item to consider are some water temperature measurement tools to prevent the baby's bath water to prevent scalding temperatures. You should also purchase some silicone faucet covers to prevent the baby from injuries while in the bath.

Toilet locks are also useful for a home with a new baby. As your baby becomes more mobile, the locks will prevent the babies from getting near water without your knowledge. Additionally, the locks will save your plumbing because they prevent the child from placing anything down the toilet drain.

Consider Protecting Your Plumbing from Baby Products

The goal of baby-proofing your plumbing is not only meant to keep your baby safe, but to also protect your plumbing. In addition to a child placing items down the toilet, you should also not place any items down your drains.

For example, many parents purchase flushable baby wipes. Although the package may say they are safe to flush, you should never do so. Continually flushing wipes down the toilet will add to the number of clogs in your plumbing. You can ultimately clog your entire sewer line, which will require an extensive repair.

Avoid pouring different items down the sinks as well. Baby lotion, powder, and the like can cake up inside the pipes and eventually clog your plumbing.

Once you have a new baby, you will not have time to deal with plumbing problems. You may want to consider a quick plumbing inspection to ensure you have no problems which may occur during the busy days of caring for a newborn.

 If you have any questions about your home's plumbing or if you need a plumbing inspection prior to your new arrival, please contact us at Daytona Plumbing. We are happy to help you with all your plumbing needs.