Holiday Plumbing Safety Tips for Families Hosting Kids in Buffalo and Western New York
Gideon’s Plumbing Helps You Keep Your Home Safe, Kid-Friendly, and Running Smoothly All Season Long
The holidays are a magical time for families especially when little ones are visiting. But with kids in the house, your plumbing system faces unique safety challenges. From curious hands exploring cabinets to toilets being treated like toy chutes, the holiday excitement can quickly turn into a plumbing emergency if you’re not prepared.
At Gideon’s Plumbing, we help families throughout Buffalo, Amherst, Orchard Park, and Hamburg child-proof their homes and prevent holiday mishaps with simple, effective plumbing safety tips.
Here’s how to keep your home safe, functional, and kid-friendly this holiday season.
1. Child-Proof Bathroom and Kitchen Cabinets
Kids love to explore, and plumbing pipes, valves, and cleaning products under sinks can quickly draw their attention.
Before holiday guests arrive:
• Install child-proof cabinet locks
• Store cleaning supplies and chemicals on high shelves
• Make sure exposed pipes are not overly hot or easily accessible
• Check for loose fittings or small leaks kids might touch or twist
Securing these areas helps prevent accidents and keeps curious hands away from things that could cause injury or damage.
2. Teach Kids What Not to Flush
Toilets are one of the biggest sources of plumbing emergencies when kids are around. Small toys, wipes, and holiday items often end up flushed “just to see what happens.”
Make sure kids know not to flush:
• Wipes (even “flushable” ones)
• Paper towels or tissues
• Q-tips and cotton pads
• Toy parts, wrappers, or craft materials
• Holiday decorations (yes, it happens!)
If you’re hosting younger children, consider placing a friendly reminder sign near the toilet. It prevents clogs and embarrassment for guests.
3. Keep Hot Water Temperatures Kid-Safe
Kids have sensitive skin, and during busy holiday moments, accidental scalding can occur if water temperatures are too high.
For safety:
• Set your water heater to a safe 120°F
• Check taps for overly hot water flow
• Consider installing anti-scald devices for added protection
If your water heater isn’t consistent or takes too long to adjust, Gideon’s Plumbing can inspect it to ensure safe operation during your holiday gatherings.
4. Protect Kids from Hot Pipes and Radiators
During Buffalo winters, exposed pipes, radiators, and heating elements can get hot enough to cause burns.
To keep children safe:
• Insulate exposed pipes in bathrooms and basements
• Place barriers around hot water radiators
• Ensure heat vents are securely covered
• Check that boiler pipes are out of reach
If you’re unsure which areas are risky, we can point them out during a quick safety inspection.
5. Prevent Slips, Falls, and Wet Floors
Kids + excitement + slippery floors = a recipe for an accident.
Reduce risks by:
• Using non-slip mats near tubs and sinks
• Wiping up spills immediately
• Checking for any slow leaks that could create puddles
• Ensuring faucet handles and shower knobs are functioning smoothly
If your fixtures are loose or leaking, schedule repairs before guests arrive. Kids are more likely to tug, twist, or lean on them.
6. Keep Garbage Disposal Buttons and Switches Out of Reach
Kitchen counters are full of tempting buttons and switches, especially for curious little hands.
To prevent accidents:
• Move step stools away from the sink
• Consider placing a temporary switch cover over disposal controls
• Never leave metal utensils inside the sink
• Run the disposal only when you are present
Gideon’s Plumbing also installs safer, air-switch garbage disposal controls – perfect for families hosting children regularly.
7. Get a Pre-Holiday Plumbing Safety Check
A professional inspection ensures your home is ready for the increased demands, and the increased curiosity, that come with hosting children.
A Gideon’s Plumbing safety-focused inspection includes:
• Leak checks around sinks, tubs, toilets, and pipes
• Water heater temperature and performance check
• Verification that drains are clear and clog-free
• Inspection of sump pumps and winter plumbing protections
• Identification of any areas unsafe for kids
Serving Buffalo, Amherst, Orchard Park, and Hamburg, we provide excellent service, reliable repairs, and family-friendly plumbing solutions for every home.
Make Your Home Safe and Holiday-Ready
Hosting kids during the holidays should be joyful, not stressful. With a few safety steps and a little preparation, you can protect your plumbing, prevent accidents, and ensure everyone has a safe, comfortable visit.
Gideon’s Plumbing is here to help you create a secure environment with expert repairs, child-safe solutions, winterization services, and new installs when needed.
For a safe, worry-free holiday season, call Gideon’s Plumbing – the plumbing company families in Buffalo trust for excellent service all year long.