Your home’s bathroom is one of the most used rooms in your house, which is why it’s important to keep its plumbing well maintained. The last thing you need is a costly and inconvenient plumbing emergency. From sinks and shower drains to toilets, bathroom plumbing maintenance is something everyone needs to take seriously.

Check out these bathroom plumbing tips from our trusted to help you safeguard your home from plumbing emergencies.

Faucet Maintenance

Functioning bathtub faucets and sink faucets keep water flowing and protect against unexpected plumbing problems. Over time, the moving parts of a faucet need to be tightened. Sometimes they even need replacement. One of our plumbers can help you determine if you need to replace these parts.

Fix Leaky Faucets Right Away

The longer you wait to perform faucet repair, the more water you waste. Did you know that according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) it only takes one drip each second to waste 3,000 gallons of water a year! Save yourself money and conserve water by taking care of leaks right away.

Clean Faucet Aerators

Have you noticed leaks coming from the handle? Maybe you’ve had low water pressure lately in one of your faucets. Most times, sediment buildup in the aerator’s opening is to blame. It’s easy to clean an aerator. Just follow these steps:

• Unscrew the aerator by turning it counterclockwise. Sometimes, you need to use a pair of pliers to loosen the aerator. If using pliers, wrap the teeth with masking tape so you don’t damage the faucet
• Take apart the aerator
• Use vinegar to clean the aerator. You may need to soak the aerator for 15 minutes or more to loosen the sediment
• Reassemble the aerator

Showerhead Maintenance

Showerheads can develop a buildup of mineral deposits like faucet aerators. When this happens, you may notice poor spray performance. Clean the showerhead for a better shower experience. Follow these steps for quick, easy cleaning:

• Unscrew the swivel ball nut. Like with aerator removal, we recommend that you use a masking-tape wrapped pair of channel pliers or adjustable wrench to protect the showerhead’s finish
• After you unscrew the collar nut from the showerhead, gently clean the intel and outlet holes of the showerhead. We recommend using a thin wire to clean the holes thoroughly.
• For stubborn buildup, you may need to let the showerhead soak in vinegar for several minutes.
• Next, rinse the head with clean water.
• Reassemble and reattach the showerhead.

If you’re not keen on disassembling the showerhead, another option is to pour one cup of vinegar into a plastic bag. Place the plastic bag over the showerhead and keep in place using a twist tie or rubber band. Let the showerhead stand overnight in the plastic bag. Then, in the morning, take the bag off and, using a damp cloth, wipe off the mineral deposits.

Toilet Maintenance and Leak Detection

Toilets are a very common source of bathroom leaks. These fixtures leak from a few places – some more obvious than others. When leaks form at the base of the toilet, the reason is usually a faulty wax seal. These toilet leaks need to be fixed ASAP because they can cause damage to the flooring and baseboards.

Other types of toilet leaks aren’t as noticeable but can be just as costly. These leaks happen between the toilet bowl and the tank. While they aren’t going to flood your bathroom, they do waste a lot of water. Luckily, repairs for these types of toilet leaks are inexpensive and straightforward. You can replace faulty parts like a flapper or flush-valve assembly for less than $10. If you’re not confident with your DIY skills, call us to help you out.

Another important aspect of toilet maintenance is to be careful about what you flush. The only non-organic matter that should be flushed is a sewer and septic-approved toilet tissue. Items like feminine hygiene items, diapers, cleansing wipes, and other items should never be flushed. Throw away these items in the wastebasket.

How to Avoid and Fix Bathroom Clogs

Let’s be real. A bathroom clog is not a pleasant experience. Whether it’s a clogged toilet or backed up shower drain, neither are a joy to deal with. The good news is that it’s possible to avoid most clogs, and if a clog does occur, there are simple solutions available.

• The easiest way to keep water flowing free is to run hot water down the drain once a week
• Install strainers in showers and tubs to catch hair and soap residue. Don’t forget to clean the strainers regularly
• Again, don’t put things in the toilet that don’t belong. Use a wastebasket
• When you have a clog that isn’t responsive to plunging, call a plumber right away.

When you need bathroom plumbing services like toilet leak repair, shower repair service, or sink repairs, call Sun City Action Plumbers. We are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week to address all bathroom plumbing problems.