7 Bathtub Problems to Look Out For and How to Fix It
The bathroom–which is an intimate, private space in one’s home–is often said to be an extension of oneself. It may only be a small portion of the house, but problems in the bathroom can cause big headaches. In particular, bathtub problems like clogging, chipping, and staining are among the most common nuisances, but the list does not stop there.
In this guide, we will list the many problems one’s bathtub can pose and what you could possibly do to resolve such problems so that it would not result in further damage.
1. Chipping and Cracking
As your beloved tub gets older, it is inevitable for its enamel coating to weaken over time, especially if the tub is often used. As such, if ever you dropped something heavy in the bathtub, there is a high chance that it will cause the enamel coating to chip. Chipping is the cause behind the unsightly black marks on a white tub.
Meanwhile, the continuous wear and tear that the old tub has undergone after every use will eventually wear out the surfaces and cause cracking. When you see chipped and cracked areas in your tub, be sure to take immediate action so as to keep it from getting bigger.
The solution: Contact a bathtub refinishing service. With this kind of service, professionals would clean the tub, fill in and repair the damage (i.e. chips and cracks), and spray it with a new coat that will make that tub look like new again.
2. Drain Clogging
Nothing is more unpleasant than waiting for forever for the tub water to drain. When this happens, it is almost certain that the clause is drain clogging. There might have been a blockage due to soap scum, accumulated hair strands, or even small objects that got lodged in the drain.
This situation can be exacerbated if the tub isn’t cleaned regularly because the dirt and grime may solidify and narrow the drain tubings.
The solution: To get the water moving again, use a plunger or a plumber’s auger (also known as plumber’s snake) and see if you could bring up and dislodge the things trapped in there. Once you get rid of the balls of hair, you can pour boiling water or a combination of baking soda and vinegar down the drain to further dissolve any soap scum and hardened grime that lines the walls of the tube.
But since prevention is better than the cure, consider adding a hair trap to catch the hair strands even before it enters the drain. Also, make it a habit to regularly clean the drain to prevent soap scum from accumulating.
4. Leaky Tub Faucet
Are your tub faucets and drains coated with rust staining? Such issues are usually caused by sitting water or leaks. If so, it is important to determine if it is a leak, so that the source could be repaired accordingly.
Not to mention, you would prevent incurring expensive water bills. But with so many different pipes and plumbing in your bathroom, it can be hard to identify the true source of a leak.
The Solution: Oftentimes, faucet leaks result from aging rubber washers inside the faucet assembly. As it ages, it dries out, becomes rigid, and becomes inefficient in keeping water leaks. If you disassemble the faucet and discover these washers, you can bring them to a local hardware store and procure replacements. Alternatively, you could also opt to replace it entirely with a new but compatible fixture.
5. Tub Drain Leaks
Leakage from the bathtub drain might be caused by a problem with the plumbing below the drain itself. In such cases, it will likely require a professional plumber’s assistance to fix it. It is also possible that the leak is caused by a faulty seal around the drain assembly.
The Solution: If you prefer to try the DIY route first, you can fix this problem by removing the drain and applying a new plumber’s putty to the area where the drain sits.
If you happen to be unsure how to remove the drain, look for instructions on the manufacturer’s website. But if the problem still persists, it is time to call in the professionals so that they can handle the job for you.
6. Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure coming from your shower head or tub faucet can be diagnosed by checking if the water pressure is still low upon switching from cold water to hot water. If the flow of water is still slow, it might mean that there is some sort of mineral deposit in your faucet aerator. Alternatively, your faucet cartridge may be blocking the water flow.
The Solution: If you have a removable aerator, all you have to do is take it out and place it in a bowl or ziplock with vinegar then let it steep overnight. However, if your aerator doesn’t detach easily or you don’t have one, what you can do is soak the faucet or shower head in a bag of vinegar.
Doing so will dissolve the calcium deposit or limescale buildup in the fixtures. However, if this method does not solve the water pressure issue, try replacing the fixture. If it still does not work, it is time to call a professional plumber who can pull your cartridges and check water pressure at the water meter.
7. Molds / Mildews
Mold growth is one of the most serious problems you can have in your bathroom. It should not be taken lightly because these fungi can harm your health by lodging in your upper respiratory tract and agitating allergies.
However, sometimes, no matter how often you clean your bathtub or shower, mold always seems to stubbornly find its way to grow. This is understandable since bathrooms are constantly exposed to moisture.
However, it is possible to solve the issue of molds by nipping the problem right in its buds. First, know that bathroom molds can be caused by lingering moisture caused by lack of ventilation or perhaps standing water in between tub liners, or by leaky toilets, sinks, and plumbing pipes.
Damp materials such as rugs, paper products, wood, wallpaper, grout, drywall, and fabric will also attract these fungi.
The Solution: If you have mold growth bathtub problems, the first thing you have to do is to strip away and replace any caulking or sealant that has accumulated mold. Use products with fungicide in cleaning your bathroom.
Such products include bleach, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide. However, you must take note that you should not mix all these products as it could cause toxic reactions. Then, open the windows and doors while cleaning to invite fresh air and help dry out the mold.
Dry out any materials that are damp. Then, ensure that the bathroom has proper ventilation–be it through windows or electric ventilators.
Another awesome article here 5 Trendy Countertops for a Stylish Bathroom Sink and Vanity
Where Can You Find Professional Help When You Need It?
If you are facing bathtub problems that are beyond your control and expertise, it is better to rely on the professionals who can handle the job flawlessly.
At LF Jersey City Tub Reglazing & Refinishing, we are dedicated towards providing the best bathtub repair, reglazing, and refinishing service in the industry. Our good track record is a guarantee of our relentless efforts to satisfy our customers by solving their problems in the bathroom.
If you have bathroom or bathtub problems that need solving, give us a call today at (201) 508-0009 and we will be more than happy to assist you!
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