Helpful Maintenance Plumbing Tips for Bathrooms

At Trinity Plumbing, we believe in the importance of proactively preventing plumbing problems to keep your plumbing functioning smoothly. To aid in this effort, Robert (owner & Master Plumber) would like to share some practical plumbing tips for common issues that you may encounter with the plumbing in your bathroom.

Avoid Plumbing Problems in Your Bathroom

The bathroom in your home gets frequent daily use, which can lead to plumbing issues if proper maintenance isn’t performed.

drains
shower
sink
toilet
tubs

To avoid potential plumbing problems and ensure optimal performance, we recommend incorporating these helpful tips into your bathroom maintenance routine.

Drains

Clean Drains Regularly: Regularly clear hair and soap scum build-up from shower and sink drains with a plumbing snake or drain cleaner.
Regularly Run Hot Water: Run hot water down the drain after every use to help keep it clear and prevent clogs.
Use Strainers: Consider installing drain strainers in shower, tub, and sink to catch hair and other debris before it goes down the drain.
Avoid Chemicals: Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, as they can cause damage to the pipes and environment.
Professional Drain Cleaning: Schedule regular professional drain cleaning to keep your bathroom plumbing flowing smoothly and prevent clogs from forming.
Trash Wipes, Not Pipes: Wet wipes are a convenience that consumers will gladly pay for. BUT wipes don’t belong in the toilet, no matter what the label says. Wipes clog pipes. When you use wipes, dispose of them in the garbage.
3 Ps Only – There are Things Your Should Never Flush Down Your Toilet. Avoid flushing non-degradable items like sanitary products, paper towels, and cigarette butts, as they can cause clogs in the drain. Wastewater experts say the only thing you should flush down the toilet are the three P’s of plumbing — pee, poo & (toilet) paper.

Shower

Here are a few plumbing maintenance tips for the shower:

Check for leaks regularly – keep an eye out for any signs of water damage around the shower, such as discoloration, mold, or water stains.
Clean the showerhead – mineral buildup can clog showerheads, affecting water pressure. Clean the showerhead regularly to prevent this.
Keep the shower drain clear – hair and soap can build up in the shower drain over time, causing clogs. Regularly remove any buildup to keep the drain flowing smoothly.
Inspect the caulk and grout – check the caulk and grout around the shower regularly for any cracks or gaps. Repair or replace as needed to prevent water damage.
Monitor for low water pressure – if you notice a decrease in water pressure in your shower, it may be a sign of a clogged pipe or a problem with the showerhead. Have a plumber inspect the issue to prevent further damage. (also note: high of water pressure can cause problems)
Replace old or worn shower fixtures – if you have an older shower or fixtures that are starting to show signs of wear, consider replacing them to prevent leaks and other issues.

Sink

Here are a few plumbing maintenance tips for the bathroom sink:

Check for leaks regularly. Look for signs of water damage or dampness around the base of the sink and under the countertop.
Clean the sink regularly to prevent buildup and clogs. Use a mild cleaning solution and a soft cloth to clean the sink and faucet.
Clear the drain regularly to prevent clogs. Use a plunger or drain snake to remove any buildup or clogs in the drain.
Be vigilant. Ensure that only toiletries and personal hygiene products are disposed of in the sink and not any solid or large items.
Look Under Sink: Regularly inspect the P-trap and tighten any loose connections to prevent leaks.
Use Strainer: prevent hair, soap and other small items from going down the drain by using a strainer in your sink.
Run Hot Water: Run hot water down the drain for a few seconds after each use to flush out any debris and prevent buildup in the pipes.

Is your bathroom sink clogged? There are Steps to Resolve A Clogged Bathroom Sink

If you are thinking about upgrading your bathroom faucet to a touchless one, there are 4 Things to Consider When Selecting a Touchless Faucet.

Toilet

Here are a few plumbing maintenance tips for bathroom toilets:

Check for leaks regularly – A small leak can lead to water waste and increase your water bill. Look for water on the floor around the base of the toilet and listen for the sound of running water.
Maintain proper water level – The water level in the toilet tank should be set to the appropriate level. Too much water will waste resources and too little will cause the toilet to clog or run constantly.
Use the right amount of toilet paper – Overuse of toilet paper can clog the pipes and cause blockages.
Don’t flush inappropriate items – Never flush sanitary products, chewing gum, baby wipes, diapers, paper towels, or other non-degradable items as they can cause blockages and lead to expensive repairs.
Don’t flush Wet Wipes – Wipes don’t belong in the toilet, no matter what the label says. When you use wipes, dispose of them in the garbage. No Wipes in Pipes – Wipes Clog Pipes!
Clean the rim and jets – Dirt, minerals, and debris can build up over time and cause clogs. Clean the rim and jets regularly with a toilet brush or specialized cleaning solution.
Regularly check the flapper valve – This valve regulates the water flow from the tank to the bowl. If it’s damaged or worn, it can cause leaks and waste water. Check out our video for a Quick Way to Check if Toilet Flapper Needs to Be Replaced (or not)
Remove Items – We always recommend not putting a whole lot of nicknacks on the back of the toilet, especially when you have small children. Toilet nicknacks often find their way into the toilet.
Put away bath toys – If your kid has all the battleships and stuff for the tub, putting them up when it’s NOT bath time is a good practice; because, sure as heck they’re going to send He-Man swimming when you’re not paying attention and you’re going to end up with a clog.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your bathroom toilet remains in good working condition and avoid potential plumbing problems. If you’re thinking about upgrading or replacing your toilet we can help you select the right toilet based on your comfort needs, home design, and wish list.

Tubs

Clean regularly: Regular cleaning of your bathroom tub can help prevent mineral buildup and other clogs from forming. Use a non-abrasive cleaner and scrub the tub regularly.
Fix leaks promptly: If you notice any leaks or drips from your bathroom tub faucet, have them fixed promptly to avoid further damage and waste of water.
Check for loose tiles: Loose tiles can cause water damage, so make sure to inspect your bathroom tub regularly and have any loose tiles secured.
Replace worn-out washers: Over time, washers in the bathroom tub faucet can wear out and cause leaks. Replace worn-out washers promptly to prevent water damage.
Install a water softener: If you have hard water, consider installing a water softener to help prevent mineral buildup in your bathroom tub and other plumbing fixtures. Note: There are 4 Signs You Need Water Softener
Inspect the drain: Regularly inspect the drain for any signs of clogs or buildup, and clear it promptly to avoid water damage and mold growth.
Avoid pouring harsh chemicals down the drain: Harsh chemicals can damage the pipes and cause clogs, so avoid pouring them down the drain.

By implementing these simple plumbing maintenance tips, you can help ensure your bathroom is functioning properly and avoid potential plumbing problems. Remember, it’s always better to be proactive and address small issues before they become big problems. If you need assistance with your bathroom’s plumbing, plumbing fixtures, faucets, and toilets, don’t hesitate to contact Trinity Plumbing.