Showers need regular maintenance and repair to avoid serious failures. These problems include leaks, mildew and mould, which can cause respiratory issues such as runny nose, itchy eyes, and wheezing.
To reduce mold, mildew and slime, rinse your shower after each use and dry it with a towel. For easier cleaning, Reichert recommends a weekly spray cleaner or diluted homemade cleaner.
1. Reduces Soap Scum
A refreshing shower is meant to relax you, not gross you out. But soap scum can turn your beautiful shower into a grungy mess. This grime is formed when the fatty acids, talc and other ingredients found in bar soap react with hard water to create a sticky substance that builds up on your shower surfaces. The scum also contains body oil, dirt and bits of dead skin. A good cleaning will remove these buildups and make your bathroom look fresh again.
The easiest way to keep soap scum from building up is to simply clean it regularly. Use a non-toxic cleaner that doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals or bleach, which can damage your shower’s surfaces. Be sure to wipe down the walls, floor and doors after every shower and dry everything completely. Moisture is the perfect breeding ground for mildew and slime, so this step is crucial.
Regular cleanings will also help prevent soap scum from forming in the first place. Have your home’s water hardness measured periodically and work to lower it. This will reduce mineral deposits, which make your glass shower doors in Houston more vulnerable to soap scum. You can also use liquid shower gel instead of bars and choose a talc-free formula to reduce soap scum production. Investing in a whole-home water softener can eliminate many problems associated with hard water and save you money in the long run.
2. Reduces Hard Water Stains
The hardness of your home’s water depends on the amount of minerals it picks up as it passes through layers of rock. These include calcium and magnesium. Over time, they can deposit unsightly spots on sinks and tubs. You can prevent these stains with regular cleanings and shower maintenance. For example, keep a cheap squeegee in the shower and wipe it down after each use to remove any remaining water. You can also add a drain catcher to help eliminate the build-up of hair and soap scum in your bathtub and shower.
You can also get rid of hard water stains with a solution of half water and half vinegar. Fully saturate the glass with the mixture and leave it for ten minutes before wiping clean. This helps remove stubborn marks and etchings on glass shower doors. You can also apply a paste made of baking soda and vinegar to the stains and scrub them with a sponge.
Regular bathroom maintenance and repairs can prevent severe damage to your home from water leaks. These leaks can lead to swelling of internal timbers, bucking of walls and door frames and chipped paint. This type of water damage can be difficult to spot and often occurs behind walls and in confined spaces. Luckily, many of these leaks are easy to fix with professional Gainesville and Ocala plumbing repair services. For example, a loose pipe may be caused by corrosion of the water supply. This is a common issue that can be easily fixed by our plumbers by replacing the corroded pipes.
3. Reduces Leaks
Showers are convenient and offer a fast way to get clean, but they can be difficult to maintain. Keeping up with regular maintenance and repairs will help prevent problems that could lead to expensive water damage.
A common sign that your shower needs a repair is a sudden drop in water pressure. This can be caused by a broken pipe or a worn out valve. A professional plumber can quickly fix these issues to restore your water flow.
Another common problem is a constant drip from the shower head or tub faucet. This is a major waste of water and can result in higher than normal utility bills. A simple fix is to replace the washer, but if the leak is more severe, the plumber may need to open the wall and ceiling to make the repair.
If your shower has a tiled surround, it’s important to keep the caulking in good condition. This helps to reduce water leaks and keeps your shower looking new. While you can caulk your shower yourself, it’s usually best to leave this task to a professional. The Shower Dr Sunshine Coast has quick and efficient leaking shower repair services you’ll love. They’ll use a caulking that’s designed to last longer and provide a more finished look. They’ll also be able to seal any cracks and crevices that could potentially cause a leak. They’ll also use a high-quality silicone that’s mold resistant to protect your shower from moisture and water damage.
4. Increases Water Pressure
Having low shower water pressure is a big hassle, but the good news is it often doesn’t mean you have a bigger plumbing problem on your hands. Most often, it’s simply a matter of a clogged showerhead or a closed valve, both of which can be easily resolved on your own without the help of a plumber.
First, make sure that your showerhead isn’t clogged or overflowing with hard water buildup, sediment, limescale, or corrosion. A quick cleaning will usually solve the problem, but you can also try putting your showerhead in a ziplock bag filled with vinegar and letting it sit overnight to soak. This will clear out any mineral clogs and may restore your shower’s normal water pressure.
Another common reason for low shower water pressure is a clogged or blocked pipe, which can be more difficult to fix on your own. Mineral deposits and clogs are more likely to develop in older pipes, so it’s important to keep up with regular home maintenance to reduce these problems.
If your shower’s water pressure is always lower during peak usage times like early in the morning or just before bed, this could be an indicator that you have a local water pressure issue that needs to be addressed by your city or municipality. In these cases, changing your showering habits or running other water-consuming appliances at non-peak times may help increase your water pressure.
5. Increases Comfort
Showers are important in most homes, providing convenience and fast access to hot water. They also come in many styles and designs to suit every taste. However, the shower experience can become unpleasant when it is damaged or clogged. Regular maintenance and repairs can prevent a shower from becoming unusable.
Many homeowners find themselves asking whether they should repair or replace their showers when it becomes damaged, clogged, or leaking. In most situations, it is cheaper and easier to repair a shower rather than replace it. However, there are some situations where a replacement may be the best option.
For example, if you have no hot water in your shower, it is likely because one of the valves has failed. Professional plumbers can help you determine which valve is responsible and fix it accordingly.
Another problem that can occur with showers is when the drywall surrounding them becomes damaged due to excess moisture. This can be a costly issue, and it can require professional repairs to correct.
Additionally, if your shower head harbors germs like Mycobacterium avium, which is linked to pulmonary disease, you could be breathing them in each time you shower. This can be uncomfortable and dangerous, especially for those with autoimmune diseases or chronic inflammation, which is often caused by too much daily exposure to bacteria and microorganisms. To avoid this, experts recommend showering a few times a week and keeping the water lukewarm to prevent stripping skin of its natural oils.
6. Increases Value
Spending time in the bathroom is something that most people do regularly, and it should be a comfortable and relaxing experience. Leaks, cracks, stains and damages can all make showering and bathing an unpleasant experience that makes it difficult to relax. With regular shower maintenance and repair, you can have a more comfortable bathroom that will increase the value of your home when it comes time to sell. A professional caulking job will also prevent mold and mildew from forming.
