When it comes to household maintenance, the proper function of your bathroom fixtures and drains may rank pretty low on the list of things on your mind. But, although we take clean running water and plumbing for granted as a modern convenience, a busted toilet or shower would certainly be cause for alarm to most people. In order to keep your bathroom plumbing working optimally, here are five basic tips for better bathroom plumbing.
- Keep the drains clear by running the hot water at least once a week. This includes the sink as well as the shower. Even if you are one of the few who enjoy cold or lukewarm showers, turning up the heat once a week is important to keeping the lines clear and draining properly.
- Another step you should take to keep your shower or tub draining properly is installing screens on the drains. A simple strainer – available at home improvement and hardware stores for less than $20 – will keep hair and soap chips out of your pipes. Make sure to clear the strainer regularly to keep it from blocking your drains.
- Repair leaky faucets and fixtures as soon as you notice them. Over time, leaking fixtures can become more and more damaged. Fixing them early means you can avoid total replacement and will waste less water. If you cannot fix the problem yourself, contact a licensed plumber for bathroom plumbing services.
- Maintain water flow by cleaning mineral deposits off your showerhead. Whenever you notice buildup, simply put a cup of vinegar in a bag and tie it around the showerhead with a twist tie. Leave it to soak overnight, then wipe away the minerals with a damp cloth.
- Avoid flushing anything down your toilet besides human waste and toilet paper. Even materials like facial tissues can obstruct the lines and cause serious backup. Make-up pads, cotton balls, sanitary products, and cotton swabs should also go in the wastebasket, not the toilet. One of the biggest culprits when it comes to toilet clogs is the moist wipe, which many people use these days. But that clean feeling could cost you, as the non-flushable variety has a tendency to clog pipes and disrupt septic systems. If it doesn’t say “flushable” on the label, don’t flush it.
Follow these simple tips, and your bathroom should continue to be one of those modern conveniences that you hardly have to think about. And if you do have a plumbing problem, you know who to call.