4 Causes of Shower Problems

When your showerhead only gives a trickle of water or water is slow to go down the drain, your shower may be difficult to use. Since most people use their shower every day, you want to find the issue and get it fixed as quickly as possible. There are a few common causes of water pressure, leaks or drain clogs that can help you identify problems and avoid issues in the future.

  1. Hair clogs. One of the most common issues in showers is hair clogs. Everyone loses hair, especially when in the shower. You or a plumber can remove the clog with a snake, but to prevent further clogs, add a drain strainer.
  2. Switch from bar soap. Clogs are more likely when you use bar soaps that are made from solidified fats. The soap can buildup in the drain and can also leave more residue on your shower walls, making it more work to keep your shower clean. Liquid body soap can be a better option.
  3. Low water pressure. If you only have a trickle coming from your showerhead, it could be simply that there is mineral residue clogging the showerhead. Cleaning the aerator can often fix this issue.
  4. Leaks. If your showerhead or faucets drip or leak, they may need a new washer, or the fixture may need replacement. These are minor leaks that can be fixed quickly by a knowledgeable bathroom repair plumber.

Most shower issues are quick to fix and can often be done by a handy homeowner. However, if you have major leaks or a backup caused by draining problems, you want to call a plumber to handle these larger shower issues.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

Could You Live Without Your Shower?

Many people would answer a hearty ‘No!’ to that question. The shower has become the preferred means of bathing our bodies for most people. They are quicker than filling a tub with water and can be an invigorating way to start the day. In addition, the squeaky clean feeling you get after having rinsed off all the grime with the soap just can’t be compared to that of a bath. We take our showers very much for granted until we have to go without one for a few days, but you may not realize that showers have been a regular part of home bathing for a relatively short time.

Just think about all the cowboy movies you’ve seen. Did you ever see a cowboy take a shower? No. It was always a bath. It didn’t take long for this to change. As soon as indoor plumbing and running water became a standard in homes, people began finding ways to get their cleansing from overhead.

There were showerheads attached to clawfoot tubs and handheld shower attachments for your tub faucet. Although you’ll find multi-head showers in mansions from the early 1900’s, the shower or shower-tub combination didn’t become a common bathroom plumbing feature in most homes until the second half of the 20th century.

The next time you step into your nice warm shower, you might want to think about how nice it is to be living in a time and place where you can enjoy that little luxury that we so easily take for granted.

 

Replacing a Tub with a Walk-in Shower

Some homeowners like to update their bathrooms and replace a tub they no longer use with a spa shower that they will appreciate.  They may think about selling their home and want to add to the home’s value or a spa shower may simply appeal to them.

If your bathroom remodeling project includes a spa shower, keep in mind a few things.  First, you will want to use a glass panel instead of a solid wall if you have a small to medium size bathroom.  This will allow the room to look bigger even with the addition of a shower.

It is also recommended that you skip the shower door and leave one end open to also make the room seem bigger unless you plan to install a steam generator.  Using the same tiles in the shower that are on the floor of the rest of the bathroom will extend the room into the shower.

The finishing touches are important, too with high-end fixtures and a rain showerhead adding a unique touch to the new shower.

If you decide to renovate your bath area, you do not need to call a general contractor to do the work.  You can hire your local plumber to remove your old tub and install the new shower.  They can even advise you on the best designs and ensure you get the right size for your room.  Whether you are adding a touch of luxury to your space or getting your home ready to sell, a spa shower can be the perfect addition to your bathroom.