subject: Tips To Keep Your Bathroom Plumbing Running Efficiently [print this page] A bathroom is not just a place to shower, but a place for relaxation as well. If your tub is clogged or the water does not drain well, it can be quite annoying to say the least. To ensure that you do not have a clogged tub or a blocked drain, keep certain things in mind so that the bathroom plumbing runs efficiently.
Start with running hot water down the drain at least once a week in order to keep it flowing free. Make sure that the leaky faucets are repaired to avoid any more damage to faucets and fixtures. The tubs and showers should always be fitted with strainers. The strainer will catch hair and soap chips thus preventing a clogged tub. You also need to clean these strainers regularly.
Keep an eye on the shower head
To remove mineral deposits on your shower head there is a simple home remedy. Put some vinegar in a plastic bag. Place the bag over the shower head. Tie it in place and leave overnight. Remove the bag in the morning and simply wipe off the mineral deposits by using a damp cloth.
In case the holes of the showerhead get clogged with the mineral deposits present in the water, the showerhead will give you an uneven spray. You need to clean it by unscrewing the swivel ball nut. This can be done by using adjustable wrench or pliers. Next, unscrew the collar nut as well from the showerhead. Then clean the inlet and outlet holes of the showerhead gently with the help of a thin wire. In the end, flush the showerhead with clean water. In case of stubborn mineral deposits, you may consider soaking the showerhead in vinegar and also leave it overnight.
Keep the toilet bowl clean
The toilet is not your dustbin. Do not use it to flush down facial tissue, sanitary products or baby diapers. These do not dissolve and will eventually clog the lines. It is advisable to keep a trash container in all your bathrooms.
Always check the toilet for any kinds of leaks. Keep a check on the level of water in the tank to ensure that the water is not overflowing through the overflow pipe which is the pipe in the middle of the tank having a small piece of tubing attached to it. And in case water is running into the overflow pipe, the fill valve needs to be adjusted till the water stops at nearly one inch below the top of the overflow tube. You may also find a water level mark that will be stamped on the side of the tank.
It is possible to test the flush valve mechanism as well. Add a few drops of food coloring in the tank. After 15 minutes, check the toilet bowl. In case the water has changed color, it means that either the ball or the flapper is leaking and hence, needs to be replaced.
Keep the Aerator clean
The water leaks from the handle or the low water pressure from the sprayer is usually caused by buildup of lime. This sediment causes blockage in the small openings inside the sprayer head. Keep the head clean by unscrewing the aerator from the faucet carefully using your hand. If it does not unscrew, put masking tape on the jaws of your pliers and loosen the aerator with these pliers. Now continue with your hand. Use vinegar to remove sediment and reassemble the unit.
By doing just the above, you will be able to keep your bathroom plumbing well maintained for a long time.
