For one of the most utilized areas of your house to remain comfortable and functioning, bathroom plumbing maintenance is crucial. Frequent maintenance may extend the life of your plumbing system, save money on repairs, and improve the general hygienic conditions of your bathroom.
At Davis & Green in Richmond, VA, we help homeowners maintain their plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to keep your bathroom plumbing, including practical tips you can do on your own and when we recommend bringing in a professional plumber.
Prevent Clogs in Your Drains
Hair, soap, and dirt tend to build up in bathroom drains and make them clog. Slow draining may not seem like a big deal at first, but it can quickly become a bigger problem.
To prevent this, regularly clear the drains using a hair catcher. These simple devices stop debris from going down the drain, reducing the chances of clogs forming. Avoid pouring oils, creams, or heavy beauty products down the sink. If you find water pooling, address the issue promptly before it turns into a stubborn blockage that requires professional intervention.
And if you do need help? That’s where we come in—our team can professionally clear those tougher clogs with minimal fuss.
Regularly Inspect for Leaks
Leaks may not seem dangerous at first, but over time, even small drips can waste gallons of water and cause your water bill to go up. Sink faucets, showerheads, and the bottom of your toilet are popular places for water to leak.
You can efficiently perform an inspection by looking for water pooling around the base of your bathroom fixtures, checking for dripping taps, and ensuring your toilet isn’t constantly running. If you notice any leaks, it’s wise to address them quickly. Many leaks are due to worn-out washers or faulty connections—easy fixes that could prevent more significant problems.
Not sure how to fix it yourself? If you call a professional plumber, you can be sure that the problem will be fixed properly and quickly. Our plumbers know how to find even the most minor problems before they get worse and cost a lot to fix.
Be Mindful of Water Pressure
Water pressure that’s too high can strain your plumbing system, leading to leaks, pipe damage, or burst hoses. Most homeowners love the feeling of strong water pressure in the shower, but it’s essential to strike a balance.
Check your system with a pressure gauge every so often to make sure the water pressure stays safe. The best range for water pressure at home is 40 to 60 psi. If it goes over that, you might need to add a pressure regulator.
Care for Your Toilet Properly
Your toilet handles a lot of your home’s waste management, so keeping it in good shape is essential. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is flushing items that shouldn’t go down the toilet. Products like wipes, feminine hygiene products, and paper towels are labeled “flushable,” but they don’t dissolve like toilet paper and can lead to stubborn clogs.
If you encounter frequent blockages, there might be a deeper issue with the plumbing, such as a partial clog or build-up in the pipes. In this case, it’s worth calling in a plumber who can use advanced tools like augers or hydrojetting to fully clear the pipes and restore proper function to your toilet.
Keep Your Showerheads Clean
Over time, mineral buildup from hard water can happen in your showerhead, which can lower the pressure and flow of water. This is especially true in Richmond, where we have hard water. Luckily, it’s easy to keep the showerhead clean. Take the showerhead off and soak it in a mixture of vinegar and water for a few hours to get rid of the buildup.
This not only gets the water flowing again, but it also keeps germs from growing in the showerhead. The showerhead will last longer and work better if you clean it every couple of months.
Cleaning the pipes might not fix the water pressure or flow problems if they don’t get better after being cleaned. After that, a plumber can tell you if it’s time for a new one or if there’s a bigger problem with your water lines.
Insulate Your Pipes
Even in Richmond where winter days can be 60 degrees or warmer, the overnight winter lows often touch freezing temperatures. That’s why one of the most significant threats to your bathroom plumbing is frozen pipes. Water expands when it freezes, and this can lead to pipes bursting and severe water damage.
To avoid this, consider insulating the pipes, especially those located along exterior walls. You can quickly wrap them with foam insulation tubes found at most hardware stores. This helps maintain warmth and prevent freezing.
Worried about pipe insulation? Our plumbers are equipped to handle all your winter plumbing prep to keep your pipes safe during the cold months.
Don’t Ignore Your Bathroom Sink
The sink is one of the most used fixtures in the bathroom, so it’s essential to keep it running smoothly. Preventative maintenance includes checking for slow drainage, cleaning the aerator (which can become clogged with debris), and inspecting the seals around the faucet and handles.
A slow-draining sink often indicates a clog in the pipes below, while poor water flow might be due to a blocked aerator. Cleaning the aerator is a simple process—just unscrew it from the faucet, clean out any debris, and replace it.
But if the problem persists, professional plumbers can use specialized tools like snake drains to access deep blockages and restore proper function without damaging your pipes.
Maintain Your Bathroom’s Plumbing Fixtures
Wear and tear on plumbing parts, such as taps and shower valves, can make them work less well over time. By keeping these fixtures in good shape, you can stop leaks, keep the water flow steady, and make them last longer.
Look for rust, rusting, and handles and spouts that aren’t tight enough. Tighten any loose fittings and repair any broken parts right away to keep problems from getting worse.
Monitor Water Usage
Keeping an eye on how much water you use can help you spot plumbing problems before they get too bad. If your water bill goes up all of a sudden for no reason, it could mean that there is a secret leak, a toilet that isn’t working right, or an appliance that uses water that isn’t working right.
By regularly reviewing your water usage, you can catch problems early before they result in bigger issues like water damage or expensive repairs.
Our plumbing services also include a full water usage audit, helping you identify inefficiencies and make adjustments to save both water and money.
Schedule Regular Plumbing Checkups
Even with diligent care, bathroom plumbing systems need professional attention from time to time. Scheduling regular plumbing inspections allows you to catch small issues before they escalate. A trained plumber can check everything from your pipes and drains to your toilet and fixtures, ensuring that all components are working together efficiently.
Contact Us Today
Caring for your bathroom plumbing is important for keeping your home comfortable, clean, and running smoothly. By following these tips and checking your bathroom often, you can avoid expensive fixes and keep it a useful space for you and your family. Don’t forget that preventative maintenance is always better than reactive fixes.
Take the time to take care of your plumbing. If you encounter issues beyond your expertise, don’t hesitate to call Davis & Green. We’re a top plumber in RVA, but we do more than just plumbing. We also do electricity and HVAC work. Whether you live in Southside, Church Hill, The Fan, or somewhere else in Richmond, we can help keep your house running smoothly.
