Toilets
When it comes to the commode, regular inspections and maintenance are crucial to stop plumbing issues before they begin. Toilets are known most to clog or leak. Both are issues that are not fun to deal with, so be sure to do what’s necessary to prevent them from happening. For example, one easy way to see if the tank has a leak is to use good old-fashioned food coloring. Choose an easy-to-spot color like red or green. Steer clear of blue if you already use a blue toilet bowl dye. Squeeze two to three drops into the toilet tank (not the bowl!) and then wait thirty minutes.
After a half an hour, go ahead and check the toilet bowl for any signs of color. If you see the food coloring in the toilet bowl, you know your toilet tank is leaking. You can gauge the level of leakage by the hue of color. The darker the color, the more leakage is taking place. If you do see color you can still relax because it probably just needs a simple flapper or ball replacement. Any local plumber can do this for cheap, or you can do this on your own.
Another very important and primary rule of thumb for toilets is to be cautious of what you are flushing and how much. This means never using your toilet as a trashcan. Flush only small disintegrable items down the toilet, and use as little toilet paper possible. Avoid flushing cotton ball, ear swabs, face wipes, rubber bands, and anything else that can potentially clog the pipes. If you do get a clog, try the plunger a few times; but if that fails, it may be time to call a plumber for help.
Sinks, Showers, and Drains
As for bathroom sinks, leaks can be a common problem. Once a week, it is wise to inspect the faucet, as well as the drain pipe underneath the sink for excess moisture, leaks, or sitting water. Catching a leak in its early stages can avoid large repair bills. Another bathroom plumbing is for the drains. Whether the sink or shower, it is very wise to install a drain strainer to catch pipe-clogging materials like hair, floss, soap chips, and more. It may require a plumber for installation, but it is a worthwhile investment to prevent future costly repairs.
For bathtubs, you want to make sure your drain stoppers are sealed properly. To check this, simply fill your bathtub with 6 to 8 inches of water and mark its level. Come back in thirty minutes to see if the water level as dropped at all. If it has, you may need to have your drains resealed. And for shower heads, get rid of mineral lime-calcium build up by soaking it overnight in vinegar and rinsing clean with fresh water in the morning. This will improve water pressure and prevent plumbing issues.