In certain situations, like when a pipe suddenly bursts, it's advisable to leave the bathroom issues to a professional plumber. However, for smaller problems or if you want to upgrade some less-than-ideal bathroom fixtures, you can often handle them yourself with just a few tools and a bit of know-how. Not sure where to start? Keep reading for a quick guide on bathroom appliance repairs and some ideas for enhancing your sacred space. Because once you've located your water shutoff valve, there's no limit to what you can achieve.
1) Enhance Your Toilet:
Whether you opt for one of Tushy's stylish color combinations or find your own at the local hardware store, bidet attachments are designed to be user-friendly. Even if you're not looking to change your regular cleaning routine, there are numerous ways to make your toilet more enjoyable. Consider replacing the seat for added comfort, warmth, or a new look. You can even install a motion-activated night light for convenience or a touch of ambiance.
2) Improve Your Water Flow:
Tired of lackluster water flow from your sink? Your faucet aerator could be the culprit. Unscrew the aerator by hand or with the help of a knife or flathead screwdriver, then soak it in white vinegar for a few hours to remove buildup. If your shower pressure is also suffering, remove the shower head and soak it in vinegar, then rinse and dry it thoroughly before reinstalling. Run the shower on hot for a few minutes. If you live in an area with low water pressure, you can also consider removing the shower's flow restrictor to boost pressure (although this might increase your water bill).
3) Shake Up Your Shower Head:
Surprisingly, experts recommend changing your shower head every six to eight months. The cleaning method mentioned earlier can help reduce sediment buildup and extend your shower head's lifespan, but if you can't remember when you last replaced it, it's probably time for a new one. Fortunately, swapping out your old shower head for a luxurious rainfall option, a pressure-boosting model, or a convenient handheld version is straightforward. Identify your shower head type and the required tools using resources like Home Depot's guide, and you'll have it replaced in no time. Plus, upgrading to a newer, more efficient model can reduce your water consumption and save you money.
4) Don't Forget the Diverter:
Among the leaks that frustrate homeowners, losing shower water through the bathtub faucet ranks high on the list. This issue is typically caused by a worn-out tub diverter, the knob that directs water from bath to shower mode. Instructions will vary based on your shower valve style, so ensure you match your method to your materials. If you have an in-spout diverter, you can choose to replace the entire spout with a hex key, wrench, and some inspiration from a celebrity's bath-time Instagram post.
5) Go for a Vanity Upgrade:
If you feel confident enough to replace a tub spout, you can certainly tackle the replacement of an entire sink. Options like the SnappyTrap simplify the typically cumbersome PVC installation process, allowing you to focus on selecting the most attractive vanity. As always, remember to turn off your water supply before starting the replacement, unless you want to call a plumber for a different reason.
6) Check the Toilet Chain:
If your toilet handle isn't flushing properly when pressed down, check inside the tank to see if the chain is broken. New chains are inexpensive, typically around $3, and in a pinch, you can use a bobby pin as a temporary fix. If the chain is intact but keeps slipping off, it may be too long; remove a few links to eliminate the slack. Often, a running toilet can be resolved by replacing the flapper attached to the chain. If jiggling the handle stops the running water after flushing, the flapper is likely the issue. Replacing a faulty flapper requires no tools and very little expense, and it will restore your peace of mind.
7) Relieve the Drain:
While it may be more common knowledge than the bathroom appliance repairs mentioned above, we shouldn't overlook the most common bathroom nightmare: a clogged drain due to hair. Do yourself or your partner a favor by investing in a plumbing snake or auger, and make sure you've tried fishing out any offending objects and using a drain cleaner before giving up on clearing the clog. Also, if you accidentally drop an item down the drain, retrieve it as soon as possible to prevent it from accumulating debris that can lead to blockages.