Is your bathroom giving you grief?
As a homeowner, you’re likely to run into problems both big and small when it comes to your water closet. Here are a few of the most common bathroom complaints and some expert advice on what to do about them.
Top Bathroom Complaints and Solutions in St. Louis
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Mildew
Mildew, a cousin of mold, is often found in bathrooms that need a good clean. While both prefer warm, damp areas, mildew is a fungus that tends to live exclusively on surfaces like those in your bathtub, shower, or windowsill. Even fabric towels that aren’t properly dried can harbor mold spores and may take on a musty mildew smell. Mildew is recognizable by its flat growth pattern and spotty appearance. It can be classified as ‘downy’ or ‘powdery,’ and may be grey, white, yellow, brown, or even black.
The solution: Fortunately, mildew is easily removed with bathroom surface cleaner, a scrub brush, and a bit of elbow grease. Be sure to hang your towels up to dry. If they do get mildewy, wash them in hot water. Chlorine bleach can help, but be wary of stains! The key to dealing with both mold and mildew is to get on it as soon as you see it, so it doesn’t spread.
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Mold
Mold is insidious because it often grows out of sight. By the time it becomes visible or smelly enough to be noticed, you’ve got a big issue on your hands. Mold thrives in warm, moist areas, and bathrooms with poor ventilation are a prime target.
Mold can be almost any color, from black, brown, white, and green to purple, pink, and orange. Not only is it unsightly, but it also causes respiratory issues and may aggravate allergies.
The solution: It’s important to stop mold in its tracks. If left untreated, it can cause hundreds or even thousands of dollars’ worth of structural damage in addition to health concerns – so don’t wait! It’s always advisable to take proper safety precautions when removing mold. If you have a big mold problem, it’s best to call a professional remediator to ensure they get rid of it all.
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Leaky Fixtures
Leaks are a common bathroom annoyance, but fortunately, they are relatively easy to diagnose and fix. Worse than the annoying drip-drip-drip sound, the constant presence of water can lead to mold.
The solution: A drippy showerhead or faucet is usually caused by a problem with the valve. Over time, the rubber O-ring gasket that seals the connection between the metal pipe and fixture wears out. Without a tight seal, water is prone to leak, even when it’s not in use. You don’t have to be a professional to replace the gasket on a sink faucet or showerhead; just be sure to follow the instructions.
If your leak isn’t caused by a faulty gasket, the issue may be with another part of the fixture. Your local hardware store should be able to suggest a replacement part, or you might choose to replace the whole unit.
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Slow and Clogged Drains
We all lose a little bit of hair in the shower, but it becomes a problem when the drain gets clogged with debris. And it’s not just hair, either; soap scum, hair and skin products, toothpaste, and whatever else you use goes down there too. It’s not unusual for your drain to start running slowly, but it’s vital to deal with it before a full-on clog comes your way.
The solution: Fortunately, it’s easy to clear a slow drain using simple home remedies like boiling water or the classic baking soda and vinegar. You might resort to more potent chemical solutions like Drano or CLR. Manual tools such as plungers, plumbing snakes, augers, and even a wet-dry vac can also do the trick.
Neglecting a slow-moving drain eventually leads to a total clog, and what was once just a nuisance is now a major problem. The aforementioned manual methods will work on a fully-clogged drain, but it will undoubtedly take more time and effort if you wait too long.
Final Thoughts
Regular maintenance usually helps you avoid these irritating bathroom issues, but problems arise even in the best-kept bathrooms. Fortunately, you don’t have to deal with it yourself. J.T. McDermott Remodeling now offers scheduled home maintenance and repair in addition to our home renovation services.
So whether you’re dealing with a bathroom bother or you just want to show your home some much-needed TLC, McDermott is here to help. After all, your home is your greatest asset, and we want to help you protect it. Connect with us today to learn how to get started.
