The bathroom is the first place you start and the last place you end your day. You wake up, use the restroom, wash your hands and face, brush your teeth, and go to bed. In fact, in an average person’s lifetime, 1.5 years of it is spent in a bathroom. For many families, the bathroom is a haven. The master’s bathroom is a private space where you can prepare for the day and unwind after a long day at work. It’s a place to be alone, relax in the tub, and take a warm soothing shower.
However, you cannot predict when your bathroom problem will occur, when it happens, it is most so devastating that’s why we present in this article some of the common problems that you will encounter in your bathroom. Getting familiar with these will help you avoid them, get meticulous when you allow some bathroom upgrades at home or assess reasons why you must call a plumber to deal with some plumbing issues when it gets really that serious.
1. Leaky Pipes
Pipe leaks can be more difficult to detect than other problems because they are often hidden behind walls. Water bills that begin to rise inexplicably, on the other hand, are a clear indication of leaky pipes. Mold growth and structural damage can be caused by a leaking pipe. Clogged water lines are also responsible for pipe leaks, water damage, and broken pipes. When the water pipes are clogged it causes the water to constantly back up which results in a tremendous increase of water pressure in your piping system, thereby increasing the likelihood of leaks. Faucets are arguably the most common source of water leaks. While that steady drip, may appear to be a minor annoyance, the droplets added together could represent a significant increase in your water bill.
Solution
Although it can be difficult, repairing a leaky pipe in a bathroom is possible with the correct equipment and some fundamental plumbing knowledge. To start with, turn off the water supply to the affected area and locate the leak. The damaged pipe should then be cut out with a pipe cutter or hacksaw, and a new length of pipe should be measured and cut to fit the opening that was created by the removed pipe. Following the manufacturer’s directions, use couplings and pipe fittings to attach the new length of the pipe.
Restart the water supply, look for any leaks, and test the repair by running water through the damaged area for a few minutes. It’s preferable to call a certified plumber to handle the issue if the leak is severe or if you’re unsure of your plumbing abilities.
2. Clogged Drains
Hair, whether human or animal fur, is a major cause of clogged drains. While showering or bathing, your hair may fall and clog the bathroom drain. It may also cause your bathroom sink to run slower. Worse, it combines with grease or any other sticky substance to form a clog. The majority of bathroom drain clogs can be traced back to dirt and skin flakes. Eventually, the gunk accumulates to the point where the flow of water is reduced. At first, the materials are in small quantities. As the number of objects increases over time, the flow of water becomes restricted.
Solution
Hair, soap, toilet paper, and other debris can clog drains in bathrooms. Using a plunger to remove the blockage is the first step in clearing a clogged drain. Make a seal by positioning the plunger over the drain and making sure it completely encloses the entrance. Then, pump air and water through the drain with fast, forceful plunges to assist clear the clog. Try utilizing a drain snake, a flexible instrument that may reach deeper into the drain and clear the obstruction, if the plunger doesn’t clear the obstruction.
3. Clogged Toilets
A clogged toilet, which is perhaps the most common issue of all, can be frustrating and inconvenient. After being flushed, excess waste, toilet paper, or non-flushable items can become lodged in the toilet trap. When a significant mass becomes lodged in the toilet trap, the toilet continues to clog because normally flushed material is more likely to catch and clog. While some may dismiss it, a toilet that clogs frequently and easily could be a sign of root intrusion. However, a clogged toilet will usually unclog itself over time. Most toilet clogs are water-soluble, which means they will dissolve in the toilet water over time. When the clog has had enough time to break down, the flush pressure can be increased, this should be sufficient to clear the pipes. Also be sure to check out caroma toilet seat buffers as well.
Solution
With the proper approach, clogged toilets may be fixed, despite being a frustrating and messy problem in the bathroom. Try to remove the obstruction initially with a plunger. Make a tight seal with the plunger by placing it over the opening in the toilet bowl’s base. To create suction and remove the clog, use abrasive up-and-down strokes. If the plunger is ineffective, try using a toilet auger, a flexible tool that may reach deeper into the drain and clear the obstruction.
4. Smelly Drains
There could be odor-causing bacteria in your pipes that are feeding on debris. A clogged drain is one of the most common causes of unpleasant odors. When your home’s wastewater has nowhere to go, the odors return up the drain they should be going down. This process emits a foul-smelling hydrogen sulfide gas, which smells like sewage or rotten eggs. Mold also grows where it is warm and wet, and mold growth on the debris causing a drain clog can produce a foul odor.
Solution
The accumulation of bacteria, mold, or other organic waste can make bathroom drains smell bad. Pouring boiling water down the drain may assist remove any debris and begin the process of repairing a smelly drain. Pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain after that, and wait a few minutes. Baking soda and vinegar will combine to produce a foaming effect that can aid in decomposition of buildup and odor removal.
5. Dripping Faucets
Corrosion, mineral deposits on internal parts, defective gaskets, O-rings, or washers are common causes of a leaky faucet. Fortunately, most leaking faucets can be repaired by homeowners with the right tools and some basic plumbing knowledge. This can be one of some bathroom problems you can fix at home without the aid of skilled plumbers. If your faucet continues to drip after you turn it off, it could be due to a loose or damaged seat washer. Washer problems are common in leaking sink faucets. With repeated use, the seat washer screw can become loose, causing the faucet to drip or chatter.
Solution
Worn washers or O-rings, loose components, or mineral buildup can all be causes of dripping bathroom faucets. Start by cutting off the water supply to the leaking faucet before you attempt any repairs. After that, disassemble the faucet and swap out any old washers and O-rings with fresh ones. Affected or worn-out portions of the faucet should be replaced after clearing away any debris or mineral buildup with pliers. Reassemble the faucet, then restart the water supply. Test the faucet to make sure it’s working properly and look for any leaks.
6. Low Water Pressure
A low water pressure may be caused by clogged pipes. Many people are unaware that clogged drainpipes have no effect on your home’s water pressure. If you notice a sudden drop in water pressure in one area of the house, the supply pipes to that area may be corroded, leaking, or blocked. If all the fixtures in a bathroom or kitchen suddenly lose water pressure, the problem can be traced back to the plumbing pipes. Debris such as dirt, sand, solidified oil and grease, food particles, or foreign objects can cause it.
Solution
Several of problems, such as clogged pipes, mineral buildup, or issues with the water supply, might result in low water pressure in the bathroom. Start by making sure the shut-off valves under the sink are completely open to increase water pressure. Next, look for any mineral buildup or dirt in the faucet air compressor. If found, clean it with vinegar or a light cleaning agent. Remove the showerhead and soak it in vinegar for an entire night if the aerator is clean to get rid of any chemical formation.
7. Broken Toilet Handles
It’s common for cheap manual toilet flushers to break due to rough use or children messing around. Of course, this can result in an embarrassing situation in which a bathroom user is unable to flush. The quality of your toilet as well as its parts is very important to ensure convenience. Replaceable parts like flappers and washer seals should last at least 4 to 5 years on average but if you use a chemical bowl cleaner, some flappers won’t last even a year.
Solution
It’s not uncommon for bathroom toilet handles to break, but the fix is usually not too difficult. Start by shutting off the toilet’s water supply and removing the tank’s cover. By removing the screw from the tank’s inside and pulling the handle out of the hole, you can get rid of the old handle. Make sure the new handle is positioned in the same direction as the old handle before replacing the old one. To hold the new handle in place, tighten the screw from the interior of the tank. Restart the water supply and check that the handle functions properly.
8. Running Toilets
The most common cause of a running toilet is a worn-out flapper that needs to be replaced. When flappers get old, they don’t seal properly, allowing water to constantly pass from the toilet tank into the bowl. If a toilet runs for a few seconds and empties without flushing, it’s most likely due to a cracked toilet flapper, a caught chain, a float that needs to be lowered, or the refilling tube that needs to be repositioned.
Solution
It’s important to solve the issue as soon as you can because a running toilet in a bathroom wastes a lot of water and raises your water bill. Start by taking off the tank’s lid and inspecting the flapper valve for any signs of wear or damage. Water may keep pouring into the bowl if the flapper is damaged or does not set properly. If the flapper valve needs to be replaced, make sure to buy the right kind for your particular toilet model.
9. Rocking Toilet
An uneven floor or improperly installed ceramic tile can obstruct a solid toilet installation. Because a toilet requires a smooth, flat, and level surface to operate and mount properly, changes in floor level can cause it to loosen and rock when in use. Some toilets typically rock because they are not flush with the floor. A round toilet flange connects the toilet to the drainpipe beneath the toilet base. If the flange is slightly higher than the surrounding flooring, the toilet is slightly raised in the center, allowing it to rock to either side.
Solution
Bathroom problems like a rocking toilet can be irritating and, if ignored, can result in leaks or floor damage. Start by cutting off the toilet’s water supply and removing the lid to address a swaying toilet. If you find that the toilet bolts are loose, tighten them. If the bolts are tight but the toilet is still rocking, use plastic shims to close any gaps between the toilet’s base and the floor. Avoid overtightening or cracking the toilet base by equally placing the shims around the base of the toilet.
10. Bubbling Toilet
A blocked line somewhere is causing your toilet to gurgle. A clog causes negative air pressure, which causes the gurgling sound instead of air flowing through the lines. The toilet water will occasionally bubble. This is usually caused by an accumulation of non-flushable products or an excess of waste. Toilet clogs do not always result in a dramatic overflow; in some cases, the only indication of a clog is a few bubbles here and there.
Solution
A bathroom’s bubbling toilet may be an indication of a more serious plumbing issue, such as a clog or venting issue. Start by cutting off the water supply to the toilet and removing the toilet cover in order to remedy a bubbling toilet. Make sure the tank’s water level is at the proper level by checking it. The float ball or fill valve should be adjusted as necessary if the water level is excessively high or low. If the water level is ideal but the toilet is still bubbling, a clogged vent pipe or drain may be to cause. Run hot water down the drain to assist loosen any obstructions and use a plunger to try to clear any blockages in the drain line.
Conclusion
These problems can be frustrating and inconvenient, but a lot of them can be resolved with some simple skills and equipment. These problems can be resolved by tightening or replacing parts, removing obstructions, utilizing plumbing supplies or tools, or hiring a qualified plumber for more difficult fixes. To stop future harm, limit water waste, and maintain a secure and hygienic restroom environment, it’s important to solve these problems as soon as possible. Frequent care and inspections can also aid in avoiding the emergence of these problems in the first place.