You’ve got a lot of plumbing in your bathroom leading to sinks, bathtubs, showers, and toilets. Any of these bathroom fixtures can encounter plumbing problems, so it is important to know what to do when it happens to you. Here’s a look at some of the most common issues we see and what you can do about them.
Sink Faucets Dripping
If you’ve ever had a leak in your bathroom sink, you know how frustrating it can be. Not only can the dripping noise be annoying, but the constant flow of water can add to your water bills over time. Although there are many different types of faucets, the cause of drips is usually the same: a problem with the washer seal.
In many cases, replacing the washer is enough to stop the leak. If that doesn’t stop your leak, the problem could be with the faucet itself. Faucets aren’t designed to last forever, so you should be prepared to replace these bathroom fixtures periodically.
Clogged Bathtub Drains
Bathtub & shower drains are two of the most common bathroom fixtures for clogs as hair, cleaning products, skin oils, and other debris make their way down the drain when you bathe. Over time, this can create a buildup in your pipes, eventually blocking water from passing through.
DIY drain cleaners can clear out most blockages. For severe blockages, you may need to use a drain snake or have a plumber do it for you. To prevent future clogs, you can pick up a drain catcher at your local home improvement store. It will only cost a few dollars and will catch any debris before it enters your pipes. Be sure to clean it out every few showers to keep things flowing smoothly.
Toilets Running Constantly
Today’s toilets are built to withstand a lot, but their inner workings haven’t changed much over time. If your toilet seems to be running all the time, it is likely a problem with the flapper valve.
The chain could have gotten caught on something, preventing the valve from closing properly. Take off the lid on the cistern and give the chain a wiggle to get things back to normal. If the flapper valve has worn down over the years, you may need to replace it. This is an easy fix that shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.
Low Shower or Sink Water Pressure
When you are ready to take a nice shower at the end of the day, low water pressure can quickly ruin the experience. Particularly in areas with hard water, like here in Phoenix, minerals can build up in your bathroom fixtures, narrowing the openings in your pipes. The same is true for your shower head itself, as well as the aerators in your sink faucets.
To remove the buildup, remove any bathroom fixtures that aren’t flowing smoothly, including showerheads and aerators. Soak them in chemical or DIY treatments designed to remove calcium, lime, and other minerals. This should get things flowing again. If the buildup has spread further into the pipes, you may need to call a plumber to get things back to normal.
We Can Help with Your Bathroom Fixtures
If you are experiencing these or any other problems with your bathroom fixtures, call on the experts at Forrest Anderson. Thanks to many years of experience and our highly skilled technicians, we can identify and solve problems quickly. We’ll help you keep your bathroom fixtures in the best possible shape over the years. Call now to get started.
Contact Forrest Anderson Today!