Since your bathroom is one of the most frequently used rooms in your home, and because water is necessary for most bathroom fixtures to function, it is no surprise that
water damage is a common occurrence in the bathroom. Toilets, sinks, showers, and tubs all require plumbing and running water for them to work. As these fixtures wear over time, they are susceptible to corrosion, loosened connections, damage, and malfunction. Don?t worry though. Sincerely Yours in Columbia, we know a thing or two about water damage and have come up with a list of some things you can do to help prevent water damage from occurring in your bathroom and how to clean up any damage that may occur.
Keep drains clean and clear
When drains get blockages or clogs, they disrupt the flow of water – leading to overflow and flooding. Soap scum, grime, and hair are all common culprits of drain clogs in bathroom fixtures. Since you cannot avoid these things going down your sink and shower drain, what you can do is help to minimize what actually makes it down the drain. Drain shields and guards are inexpensive purchases that you place over the drain to filter what can and cannot go down them. They catch hair and excess soap scum and grime so that you can wipe them down instead of letting them run down the drain where they can build up and eventually cause clogs. You should also clean out drains periodically with a commercial-grade drain cleaner or a mixture of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water. This will prevent too much build-up from forming inside the drainpipe and help reduce the risk of clogs.
Inspect your shower and tub regularly
Grout and caulk are key players in sealing fixtures and keeping water from leaking out of the shower and tub. If you notice that caulk or grout is chipped, cracked, or deteriorating, repair it right away. You should consider reapplying caulk every few years to avoid any leaks. If there are any cracks or other damaged areas in your shower or tub, get them corrected and repaired before allowing water to run in those areas. Keep tubs and showers clean from build-up that could wash down the drain.
Do not overwork your toilet
Toilets tend to clog and overflow frequently, and that is a messy problem that no one wants to have to deal with. Save yourself the trouble of toilet water cleanup by being considerate of how much you are putting down your toilet. Make sure that you are not flushing too much toilet paper down the toilet, and do not flush anything other than toilet paper. Sanitary wipes and other personal hygiene products should be thrown away in the garbage, not down the toilet where they can cause blockages. You should also pay attention to the water level in your toilet. If it is too low, or too high, there could be a drainage problem somewhere. If you have small children in your home, be sure to teach them not to flush anything down the toilet, and keep a close watch on them while in the bathroom.
Check your plumbing regularly
As pipes age, they begin to corrode and rust, which could cause leaks over time. You should inspect your pipes regularly and look for any signs that may indicate they are leaking. Some signs of water damage from leaking pipes are musty smells, water spots or stains, bubbling on walls, warping on floors. Check the faucet supply lines under bathroom vanities to be sure no water is leaking, and check the connections behind the toilet.
Professional Water Damage Cleanup In Columbia SC
Keeping up with routine maintenance in your bathroom, and performing regular inspections will help you not only reduce the risk of water damage occurring but also help you catch it quickly if water damage does occur. When you are in need of water damage cleanup in Columbia, look no further than Sincerely Yours. Whether in your bathroom, or any other room in your home, this professional team is equipped to handle any and all water damage cleanup.