Part and parcel of owning a home are to deal with problems relevant to plumbing such as clogs and leaks. Without a doubt, some plumbing issues can be downright annoying and distressing. That is why, if you want to do away with these irksome problems, you need to pay attention to your home’s plumbing system for it requires regular inspection and management.
Once in a while, you get to encounter issues with your plumbing fixtures. Your bathtubs, toilets, sinks, showers, drains, and other plumbing equipment may act up and have defects, which are inevitable especially if we neglect the need to look after our plumbing. The bathroom in particular is very prone to malfunctions because it is made up of different plumbing fixtures. Bathtubs, for example, could have issues that mostly appear subtle (i.e. small leaks) during early stages and so homeowners tend to put most of these issues aside or postpone the fixing not realizing that doing so will eventually escalate the problem and thus put all the rest of the plumbing system at risk.
Most Frequently Encountered BathtubProblems
When it comes to plumbing issues, having a licensed plumber come over and solve the problem is a good idea especially if you don’t have the skills and confidence to perform DIY fixes. However, homeowners must at least have the know-how regarding the usual breakdowns that could happen in the bathtub and the ways to respond to them to avoid further damage to their plumbing. Here are the common bathtub problems you should be aware of:
1. Dripping Faucets
Your tub’s faucets, just like other taps in the household, could at times behave as leaks. Even if the leaks are just minor ones, we should not take them lightly although leaks are relatively easy to fix even by an ordinary homeowner. Small leaks would sooner or later inflict major damages on your pipes and other plumbing equipment as well as affect your home’s water consumption in the long run, and before you know it, your utility bills are suddenly going up.
A common cause of the tub’s faucet leak is aging rubber washers. To check the rubber washers, you have to disassemble the faucet. You can opt to procure replacements for the old washers from the hardware store. If your faucet is still leaking after installing new washers, then your entire faucet assembly may be the one that needs replacement.
2. Molds
Mold usually appears in areas where there is constant water usage or moisture. Your bathtub is usually susceptible to mold development especially if you do not clean the tub thoroughly and regularly. Even with frequent cleaning, mold always has its way of resurfacing. It is normally found in places with poor ventilation causing moisture to linger in the area. Mold formation may also be due to leaks coming from other fixtures in the bathroom like the sink, pipes, and toilet. Mold growth also happens if you have damp materials inside the bathroom like damp rugs, wallpaper, grout, wood, fabric, and other humid parts of the bathroom.
To avoid this problem, you must ventilate your bathroom by opening your windows or doors so fresh air can circulate. Most importantly, use anti-mold products such as hydrogen peroxide, bleach, or vinegar when cleaning your bathroom. Note: Do NOT mix these products. Choose only one that you can use to clean your bathtub and other fixtures.
3. Reduced Water Pressure
Oftentimes, low water pressure is caused by mineral deposits or sediment build-up in your faucet aerator. This issue is easily addressed by a DIY solution. Simply soak your faucet or your shower head in a bag filled with vinegar overnight and the next morning, your aerator will be good as new. If you still have low water pressure after removing the build-up, then the problem may have something to do with your main water supply. In such cases, calling a trusted plumber should be a wise move to take.
4. Leaky Bathtub Drain
If there is a faulty seal around the tub’s drain assembly or defective plumbing below the drain of your bathtub, it is likely to cause your drain to leak. Fixing this problem is way better with the help of a professional plumber. Get more about it at https://allserviceplumbers.com
These four common bathtub issues are not that difficult to spot on. If you care about your tub and want to have a more enjoyable hot bath, be mindful of these issues and get them fixed as soon as possible.