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When it comes to the bathroom, all any of us wants is a quiet life. All we want is a clean, warm, quiet place of tranquility where we can wash away the cares of the outside world and prepare ourselves to face the day ahead. But we all know that if there is one room in the house where things can go horribly wrong, it is the bathroom. What’s more, we all know that the longer we ignore a problem in the bathroom, the worse it’s going to get. As much as we’d like to pretend that we didn’t see that patch of mold, or tell ourselves that hey, maybe the water pressure is just a bit funny today, the fact of the matter is that these issues have a habit of growing.
While you may not be able to stop all of these issues from happening, having a clear idea of what kind of problems may arise and how you can take care of them when they do will help you to get back to keep your bathroom just the way you want it.
Mold
When it comes to problems that most home-owners want to avoid at all costs, mold is always going to be near the top of the list. We all know that it does not take much for mold to take root, and once it does, it can be very difficult to get rid of. Before you know it, that little black spot on the bathroom wall has turned into a big nasty patch. If mold is left unchecked than it can cause damage to your respiratory system and lead to a number of nasty illnesses, so it is worth making the effort to avoid it and to get rid of it as soon as possible if it does take hold.
So, how do you keep mold out of your bathroom? Well, mold loves damp, warm spaces, so good ventilation is paramount. Keep the window open if you have one and make sure you run the extractor fan to keep the air moving. Wipe down any surfaces where moisture gathers to avoid spores blooming in those puddles. Speaking of puddles, it’s a good idea to keep shampoo and shower gel bottles in a cabinet or container as they have a habit of accumulating water.
When it comes to getting rid of mold, you need to remember that cleaning it with soap and water isn’t good enough. Just because you can’t see it anymore, doesn’t mean it’s gone. Use products that contain bleach and leave it to dry overnight before cleaning the spot again with anti-fungal wash.
Drains Aren’t Running
If you notice that the drain in your bathroom sink or tub is emptying slowly, it is very important that you address the problem as soon as possible. It might just be an issue near the surface, but it could also be the sign of something going wrong further on down the pipes.
You should try to avoid using chemical unblockers where possible, as these can start to eat away at the pipes themselves (especially in older buildings where they will already have been through a lot of wear and tear). Running hot water through on a regular basis will often do just as well. A plunger may do the trick, or a drain snake, and if not, then it’s time to call in a plumber.
If you want to avoid blockages in your bathroom sink, then you can start by being a little more careful about what you are putting down there. There is a lot of stuff that is obviously unavoidable, from shaving foam to toothpaste, and there will always be hair going down the bathroom sink. With that in mind, you should think about investing in a bathroom sink hair strainer. A strainer will catch all that pesky hair and will keep objects like jewelry from disappearing down the plug hole, never to be seen again. The Shroom Company’s SinkShroom can fit any standard bathroom sink and it can be easily cleaned and maintained.
Low Water Pressure
We all know how important that first shower of the day is. It is what freshens up, what gets us ready to face everything that’s coming our way, and if the water pressure is surprisingly low then it just isn’t the same. It is also potentially a sign of something going wrong further down the line. If you ignore low water pressure, the situation is only going to get worse.
One of the most common reasons for low water pressure in your shower is limescale build-up. That mineral deposit can gather quickly and cause real issues, but it is relatively simple to get rid of. Remove the shower head and soak it in white vinegar. The acidic liquid should dissolve the limescale, although it’s important to note that a serious build-up will obviously take longer to dissipate. Make sure to rinse it before you reattach it! The best way to avoid this issue recurring is to clean your shower head regularly.
However, if it’s not a limescale issue, that means that the pressure issue is almost certainly located in the pipes. This is an occasion when it’s worth calling a plumber.
Leaking Bathroom Faucets
How many of us have lain awake at night and heard the dreaded “drip…drip…drip…” coming from the bathroom? The leaking bathroom faucet is one of those everyday issues that seems to be designed to infuriate us, not to mention the fact that it adds on to our water bill.
When it comes to a leaky faucet, the reason may be that something has come loose or has become damaged. Tightening things up may help, but it may be that you need to replace the faucet cartridge. You will generally notice a leaking faucet very quickly, but a leak around the base of the faucet is sometimes a little harder to spot. Generally, this leak occurs when the O-ring, which is the seal that stops the water flow, becomes damaged. After a certain amount of wear and tear, it stops being effective and you will start to see leakage.
Clogged Or Running Toilet
Finally, there’s one fixture in the bathroom that you never want to have a problem. The best solution for a clogged toilet is still the good old-fashioned plunger (or a drain snake), but a running toilet can cause a bit more of a headache. These can really do a number on your water bill if they’re not taken care of quickly. One of the most common reasons for a running toilet is that the level of water in the tank is too high. Another is that the flapper, which allows the water to pass from the tank into the bowl, has been damaged and needs to be replaced. Finally, it could be because the refill tube is too long and hasn’t been fitted properly, and in that case, you can just give it a trim. Remember, if you are in any doubt, then it’s worth talking to a plumber.