subject: Simple Maintenance & Care For Showers [print this page] One of the biggest concerns with showers is mildew. The air in the shower fills with moisture on the walls and ceilings and if not cleaned or dried will become mold or mildew. To prevent this from happening in your showers, use a commercial shower cleaner on a regular basis or squeegee or wipe the shower door after each use. If mildew is a problem in more than just the shower, the problem may be inadequate ventilation. If you do not have a fan in the room, consider installing one or having one installed.
The seals on your shower door should be cleaned regularly, as they are a growing area for mildew. A simple solution of 6:1 water and bleach will more than do the trick. If the seal appears to be damaged, replace it.
Clogged or Slow Showerhead
Even the best showerhead is going to wear out in time or become clogged with lime buildup. You'll know when this happens because they won't be spraying water as they should. The best choice is to replace the showerhead when it reaches this point, a very simple DIY project.
With a pipe wrench or pliers (locking jaw), unscrew the old showerhead. Apply a layer of duct tape on the jaws of the pliers to prevent damaging the showerhead. Use one tool to make sure your shower doesn't move while using the other tool to remove the showerhead. After wrapping Teflon tape on the shower arm's pipe, screw in the new showerhead.
Slow-Draining Showers
This problem usually means the drain is clogged with something; most commonly, hair is the culprit. If your drain has a stopper, pull it out and remove the hair. If this doesn't work, snake out the drain. You can purchase a commercial snake for your hardware store. If this doesn't work, check to make sure your vent line isn't plugged. If the problem still exists, contact a plumber.
