No matter how large or luxurious a bathroom, problems are bound to arise. Perhaps the grout has seen better days, a faucet won’t stop leaking, or you’re dealing with a clogged toilet – again!
Don’t let common bathroom annoyances ruin your day. Here’s how to tackle common bathroom dilemmas quickly so you can get on with more important things.
RUNNING TOILET
Before anything else, give the handle a jiggle. If that doesn’t solve the problem, remove the tank lid and take a look inside. Check if the lift chain has become detached and re-attach if necessary. Also, inspect the flapper and flush valve for debris or damage, and clean or replace them if needed. If the problem persists, drop a bit of food coloring into the tank. If the color seeps into the bowl, you may have a leak that requires further investigation.
CLOGGED TOILET
Your first line of defense should be a toilet plunger, ideally one with a rubber flange. Cover the opening and start plunging slowly, then more vigorously, 15 to 20 times. If the water isn’t draining, pour a kettle of boiled water into the toilet, wait several minutes and try again. Still no luck? You may need a plumber’s snake—or the help of a plumber.
LOW WATER PRESSURE IN SHOWER
First, check the water pressure in other areas of the house. If it’s fine, your shower head probably needs a good cleaning. Remove the showerhead and soak it in a 50/50 solution of water and distilled vinegar for a few hours or overnight. Brush the holes with a soft-bristle brush to loosen any gunk and rinse clean with water. Re-attach the head and check the pressure. Still low? You may need a new showerhead.
POOR VENTILATION
If the bathroom is equipped with a fan, start by giving it a thorough cleaning. Remove the cover and rinse the grille. Use a cloth or vacuum to remove any accumulated dust from the fan blades and housing. Make sure to run the fan during and after every shower and bath. If you don’t have a fan, crack a window open or consider installing a vent fan.
SLOW-MOVING DRAIN
Skip the chemical-filled liquids and either try an enzymatic drain cleaner or simply pour half a cup of baking soda and one cup of white vinegar down the drain. Cover the drain opening with a stopper or cloth and let sit for five minutes. Finally, flush with a gallon of boiled water. If this doesn’t get things moving there may be a lot of hair stuck in the drain. Pick up a plastic hair snare at the hardware store and use as directed to grab the clog and yank it out of the drain.
LEAKY FAUCET
Most faucet leaks can be attributed to worn-out washers. Remove the handle and use a crescent wrench to unscrew the nut and stem. You’ll find the seat washer underneath these. Take it to your local hardware store and purchase one the exact same size. Replace the washer and reassemble the faucet.
DINGY GROUT
Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the dingy grout. Spray the paste with a little vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub with a soft-bristle brush and rinse clean. Do not use this cleaning method on marble or stone as it can cause surface damage. Instead, use a specialized cleaner.
What about those bathroom problems you can’t solve on your own? That’s where we come in. At Eagle Service Company, we tackle all sorts of plumbing issues, big and small. From ongoing maintenance and repairs to bathroom remodeling, our team of experts is ready to assist you. Contact us today or anytime for more information or to schedule service.
