Dealing With Simple Bathroom Issues and Repairs
Toilet Tips
The toilet will usually tell you when something is wrong. It will run continually or flush inefficiently. You can use our plumbing tools section to determine what is the problem, and go to fix it.
It is important to keep the toilet free of clogs. Do not put any non-toilet friendly items into the toilet. Any other items should be placed in the trash.
Shower
To keep the shower drain relatively free of hair, as hair is the number one reason for clogged shower drains, use a fine holed shower drain cover. This may slow the draining of the shower.
Once a month pour boiling water down the shower drain to help dissolve soap and film buildup.
It is recommended that you service a shower valve once every 12 – 18 months (12 months in hard water areas). A ‘service kit’ is available for most shower valves and allows for all perishable parts within the valve to be replaced.
All metal parts within the valve should be soaked in descalent and washed off with clean water. Examination of all seals should be carried out and replaced where necessary. The use of silicone based grease is essential on all seals and any moving parts to ensure smooth operation once re-assembly has been carried out.
Shower Heads
To remove unsightly mineral deposits on you shower head, put one cup of vinegar in a plastic bag and place it over the shower head. Hold it in place with a twist tie and let stand overnight. In the morning, remove the bag and the mineral deposits should come off by wiping with a damp cloth.
Replacing an old shower head can save up to 7.5 gallons of water per minute without sacrificing full spray action at low or high-water pressures