DIY Bathroom Plumbing Tips—Maintenance for Your Shower, Sink, and Toilets
Not only are bathrooms more susceptible to clogs and leaks, but they get a lot of use on a daily basis and it’s essential that they are maintained to keep things in working order. Consider these tips to help you avoid toilet backups, low pressure shower heads, clogged bathroom sinks, and other issues that can arise. All of these potential problems may require professional attention in more severe cases.
Maintaining a Clean and Spotless Shower
Showers can be extremely relaxing—that’s why we understand the frustration that can come along with lower water pressure when you’re used to more pep in your shower’s step. To keep your shower in tip-top condition, try these tips:
- Clean your showerhead regularly. Showerheads can become less efficient due to the buildup of mineral deposits from the water. Remove the shower head and soak in vinegar overnight to dissolve the deposits and clear the inlet and outlet holes of the showerhead.
- Protect your drain from hair and soap residue that can cause clogging. Place a tub strainer over the drain to collect these particles and remove them before they can enter the plumbing.
- Keep your drain clear with regular cleanings. Clean out the strainer, scrub the stopper, and use a drain cleaner to keep soap scum from building up and causing backups. Cleaning can also help to remove foul odors that are a result of drain buildup.
Keeping Your Toilets Clear and Functional
Properly functioning toilets are essential for daily living. Clogs may occur here and there, but sometimes clogs can buildup and become larger issues. Keep your toilet clear and functioning with these helpful tips:
- Toilets are not wastebaskets—do not flush items such as sanitary products, facial tissue, diapers, and similar items. When in doubt, throw it out—don’t flush it.
- Frequent clogs can be a sign that there is a blockage in the drainpipe. Keep an eye on the frequency of toilet clogs, be aware of what items are being flushed, and remember to shut off the water in the event that your toilet overflows. Use plungers to clear clogs, and an auger for more extensive clogs that a plunger cannot clear.
- If your toilet is leaking, but you aren’t positive about where from or if it’s just condensation, put a few drops of food coloring into the tank of your toilet and see if the color appears in the areas where you suspect a leak. Check the toilet bowl for cracks and look for loose connections. You may have loose or worn seals—we can fix that for you.
Eliminating Bathroom Sink Buildup
Bathroom sinks are collectors by nature—hair, toothpaste, and other things can buildup in the drainpipes as a result of daily use. If you notice problems with draining or low water pressure, take a look at the tips below for assistance. Otherwise, give our professionals a call.
- Clean your sink weekly to remove buildups like hair and other gunk that can cause backups. Use a safe drain cleaner as directed and let it work its magic to keep your sink drain clear. Or run hot water for a few minutes once a week to loosen buildup and flush it away.
- If the water pressure seems lower than usual, your aerator could probably use a cleaning. The aerator on your sink faucet is where the water comes out—it typically collects lime buildup and sediment which blocks the holes. Remove the aerator by unscrewing it and then soak it in vinegar. If your aerator is not removable, use a brush and vinegar to scrub away the sediment and clear the aerator holes.
- Ask us about having a low-flow aerator and/or faucet installed to conserve water. Low-flow faucets and aerators regulate how much water comes out by introducing air into the stream and maintaining a consistent pressure.
