Taking care of the shower doesn't have to be difficult. Many homeowners are reluctant to repair their shower themselves because they fear that they may not have sufficient knowledge of sanitary engineering. However, you do not need a lot of knowledge about general shower care. With most common shower problems, you don't even have to turn off the water!
Would you like to find out what you can do about common shower problems? Continue reading.
What to do with a blocked shower drain?
When people take a shower, loose hair and dirt are flushed into the drain. Over time, soap foam, dirt and hair become clogged and make it difficult to drain a shower. First pour boiling water into the drain. This will not completely remove the clog, but it will help break it open. You can then try using a plunger to completely break up the constipation. If that doesn't work, next remove the drain cover and try to remove the blockage by hand. This may not work if minerals build up in your pipes due to clogging. Use a drain cleaning solution for severe blockages. If you don't want to use chemicals, you can make your own solution from baking soda and vinegar. Pour the solution into the drain, wait for the blockage to clear, then pour hot water into the pipes.
Can bad water pressure be remedied?
Trying to get clean under a weak shower spray can be frustrating. However, you don't necessarily have to replace your shower head to get better water pressure. In most cases, it is sufficient to clean the sediment from the existing shower head in order to improve the water pressure. Over time, sediment from the water collects in your shower head and clogs it. This is completely normal – all water contains minerals that accumulate over time. To eliminate this buildup, all you have to do is soak your existing shower head in vinegar overnight. This should allow the structure to loosen. It can then be rinsed off. If particles remain, stick them out with a toothpick. If the sediment is not washed away, the shower head must be replaced in the next step. If cleaning or replacing the shower head doesn't work, the next step is to check the water valves in your whole house. One of them may not be fully open, which could lower the water pressure.
Why is the temperature inconsistent?
Have you ever taken a nice, steamy shower just to roughly interrupt it with the sudden drop in water temperatures? An inconsistent water temperature is usually a sign of a faulty thermostatic shower valve. The thermostatic shower valve mixes cold and warm water to achieve the ideal water temperature. If it doesn't work properly, your shower can change from scorching water to cold water at random. It is possible to set your thermostatic shower valve. When you take off the cap, there is a spindle that can be turned clockwise to lower the temperature and counterclockwise to raise the temperature. Shower after setting to see if the temperature is more even. If adjusting the valve does not seem to make a difference, you may need to install a new valve. Installing a new valve can be difficult if you have no experience with the installation. You may need to contact a specialist who deals with the repair of thermostatic showers. The installation of a new valve should help to maintain constant water temperatures.
Is a broken shower hose important?
Minor leaks caused by a loose shower handle or a broken shower hose may not seem to be important. Smaller leaks can lead to larger leaks. Cracks in a shower hose can get bigger and reach the point where they spray water instead of dripping water. Every time you notice a small leak in your shower, you should find out where it comes from and what needs to be done to fix it. With a loose handle, it can be so easy to tighten some screws. In other cases, a device may need to be replaced completely. Cracked shower hoses should always be replaced before these cracks get bigger. Replacing a shower hose is easy, but you want to completely shut off your water before removing the old one and connecting the new one. All homeowners should know where their water shutoff valve is. This valve stops the water completely. This can be useful when trying to fix a small or large leak.
Is bad caulking problematic?
Sealing acts as a seal – it prevents water from dripping behind the shower tiles, so that no mold is formed in the walls. But it is really easy to mess up a chalk job. The lack of a firm hand can result in the sealant becoming smeared and cracked. Broken sealant with gaps is problematic because water can get into the gaps. The first thing you want to do is remove the botched caulking. There are special solvents that dissolve the sealant so that it can be easily scraped off. As soon as the old sealant is removed, the new sealant should be applied with a cartridge gun. A cartridge gun gives you complete control over how much cartridges come out and has a narrow nozzle that fits nicely between the tiles. Use your finger gently from time to time to smooth the seal and remove excess seal. This creates a smoother appearance. You should also use a damp rag to smooth the seal completely. The more you seal, the better you get!
Final thoughts
As a homeowner, figuring out what you should (or shouldn't) fix yourself can save you money. Sometimes it is worth doing repairs yourself, sometimes it makes more sense to hire a specialist. When it comes to your shower, there are a number of repairs that you can do yourself if you have no knowledge of the installation. However, if you ever need to replace a plumbing part and have no idea where to start, contacting a professional can help prevent accidental flooding of your bathroom.
