It is hard to imagine our lives without running into bathroom maintenance problems now and then. Some problems need professional help. Others can be solved by ourselves. Here’s how you can easily fix small bathroom maintenance problems yourselves.
There are big plumbing problems like water leaks and clogged pipes that shouldn’t be fixed by a plumber. This article lets you know about the minor issues that you can remedy by yourself.
Solve These 9 Problems by Yourself
Some of the main bathroom maintenance problems that you may encounter and can easily solve by yourself include the following:
1. Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure is common in many of our households. Faucets and shower heads mostly have this problem. You should notice if this problem affects the hot and cold water lines. If it does, then it’s most likely due to a blocked aerator.
A blocked aerator can be fixed by carefully taking it out and cleaning it. These are usually blocked by small debris which is easy to clean.
2. Drainage Problem in Sink
Sinks can be clogged due to the accumulation of hair and debris. The dirt usually collects at the pop-up under the sink.
The pop-up can be easily unscrewed by hand and removed. Once removed, it can easily be cleaned and attached back. The nut used to attach it can be tight so you can use pliers. You can also use special plumbing tools to clean the clogged pipes.
3. Drainage Problem in Tubs
Slow drainage in tubs is another annoying thing that you can solve yourself. The pipes get clogged easily due to hair and dirt falling through. You can use needle nose-type pliers to reach into the pipes and clear the debris.
You must remove the tub stopper if there is one installed to reach the debris. Regular cleaning of tub pipes is an easy task that will also ensure you don’t get clogged pipes.
4. Running Toilet
A running toilet is a very common problem. There could be three parts that can create a running toilet problem. You can repair or replace the problematic part once you identify it.
The three parts are the toilet fill valve, flush valve, and flapper. You can replace these by yourself or call for professional help if it seems too intimidating.
You can find many competent plumbers in your local area. For instance, Plumber Warrnambool is a good place to call if you live in or around the Warrnambool area in Victoria, Australia.
5. Water Leaks
Water leaks are the single most damaging problems that you can have in your house. Water leaks can be caused by a damaged pipe inside the walls. The damaged pipes leak water that trickles down through your roof or dampens the walls.
You can temporarily fix water leaks by applying water-resistant paint on your walls or sealants. However, if water leaks are kept unchecked for long, then it can create molds in your walls and make living in your home very dangerous. So it’s better to call for professional help to fix any broken pipes inside the house.
6. Water Dripping from Faucets
Water dripping from faucets is usually caused by worn-out washers. You can fix this just by replacing the washer. Remember to turn off the water line to the sink before changing the washer.
The position of the valve needs to be identified before changing the washer. To remove the valve, you will need to remove something called the packing unit. You can remove the faucet handle using a Philips screwdriver.
You should know the size of the washer required before changing it. You can determine this by checking the model of your sink.
Water dripping in tub faucets is more complicated to solve by yourself. So you should call a professional plumber in this case.
7. Clogged Up Pipes
Clogged-up pipes are one of the most common bathroom maintenance problems. This can be caused by a myriad of issues. You can try using a plunge to temporarily clear the clog. However, permanent results can only be seen if you fix the underlying issues.
Don’t plunge too hard or you can damage the pipes. If you see a strong clog, then call a plumber. You should use drain cleaners regularly to keep pipes clear. Make sure your flush is strong and working properly so you don’t end up with clogged pipes in the toilet.
8. Toilet Overflow
An overflowing toilet can easily be fixed with a plunger. You can plunge into the toilet once you see water levels rising. It can happen due to clogged pipes. Make sure that water does not overflow while working with the plunger.
Use towels around the toilet to make sure the water doesn’t overflow all over the bathroom. You can also use a towel around the plunger to create less of a mess. If the problem of overflow keeps happening frequently, then it’s better to consult a professional plumber to check out the pipes.
9. Sputtering Showers
A sputtering showerhead can be annoying when you try to take a relaxing shower after a long day. It may be annoying but can be easily fixed. Just take apart the showerhead and soak it in a vinegar bath for a while.
Limescale build-up causes sputtering. The amount of buildup will determine how long you should soak the head.
Limescale in general can be cleaned with vinegar and lime juice. You can spray vinegar on appliances that accumulate limescale. You can even wrap a soaked cloth on the faucet heads.
Conclusion
Bathroom maintenance may seem difficult but some common bathroom issues can be easily fixed by yourself.
Even though most bathroom plumbing problems should be fixed by professionals, you can solve the minor issues by yourself. After having read this article, you should have a pretty good sense of what those issues are and how you can solve them.
