Excessive Mold In the Bathroom? Check for Leaks

Bathrooms are prone to mold, with most bathrooms having three or more water fixtures creating moisture. However, most mold can be easily controlled with regular cleaning and an exhaust fan when running a shower or bath. If you are constantly fighting pink, black or other molds growing in your shower, walls or behind your toilet, you may have a plumbing problem. When mold becomes excessive in your bathroom, it can be a sign of a plumbing leak.

Where to Look for Bathroom Plumbing Leaks

Most bathrooms are fairly small, so finding a plumbing leak should not be too difficult. However, you may be surprised that a leak can occur, but still is not obvious. Here are some common places leaks can form, creating excessive moisture and mold:

  • Under the sink. A small drip under the sink may not be enough to pool or puddle, but it can evaporate and cause humidity in your bathroom. Look for condensation on your sink’s pipes and any signs of water or moisture damage under your sink.
  • Toilet sweating or leaking. Does the tank of your toilet “sweat” or have condensation? You may have a toilet that has a slow leak or needs tank hardware replaced. Water around the base can mean the seal needs to be replaced.
  • Drips in the shower. Even a mild drip in your shower or bathtub can cause enough excess moisture to excel mold growth. Fix drips and leaky faucets with a call to your local plumber.

If you cannot find a leak, it is possible there is a slow leak in a wet wall that is not visible. Contact a plumber to find and fix any leaks to help protect your home and minimize your mold problem in your bathroom.

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

Ways to Reduce Mold in Your Bathroom

Is there black mold around your bathroom window or pink mold around the edges of your shower or tub? Mold in the bathroom is common, but it can also be controlled. Excessive mold can be signs of too much moisture, plumbing problems or other issues in your bathroom. There are ways to minimize mold, protecting your bathroom surfaces and your family’s health.

Mold Loves Bathrooms

It is no mystery why mold is common in bathrooms. Mold spores thrive in moist, warm environments. A closed shower with wet walls or a steamy bathroom with no exhaust fan allow for moisture to linger and mold to grow. A few ways to control this moisture includes:

  • Wipe down showers and tubs after use
  • Don’t leave wet towels or clothing in the bathroom
  • Keep a working exhaust fan in the bathroom and turn on during baths and showers
  • Open windows to allow air circulation and moisture escape
  • Frequently clean tub, showers, sinks and other surfaces to remove mold spores

Another cause of mold issues is plumbing issues. A dripping sink faucet, leaking showerhead, condensation on the toilet tank or a leak in the pipes under the sink can add more moisture to the air. These leaks and drips keep humidity high 24/7, making it almost impossible to control mold problems. Repairing faucets and leaks can help minimize moisture, protecting your plumbing and home, while helping prevent mold in your bathrooms.

Mold can stain or damage your surfaces, cause health issues and make your bathrooms look unclean. Implement options to control the moisture in your bathrooms and fix plumbing issues to ensure your bathrooms are less prone to be invaded by mold.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(404) 973-2471

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

Is Mold Invading Your Bathroom?

One of the most common places for mold growth in the home is the bathroom. Since this is the main room for water use, it creates a perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. If it seems you are constantly combatting mold in your shower, bathtub or even on the walls, you need to work on some preventive measures. Here are a few tips to reduce mold and mildew in your bathroom.

  • Use a dehumidifier or fan. Removing moisture from the air is one tried and true way to reduce mold. If you don’t have a ceiling fan, installing one should be your first step and making sure everyone turns it on before showers/baths is the second step.
  • Wipe down sinks, showers and tubs. Water left to evaporate in sinks, tubs and showers create a breeding ground for mold spores. Make sure members of your household wipe down the shower/tub and sinks after use.
  • Fix plumbing problems. Do you have a toilet that has condensation on the tank or a faucet that drips in your bathroom? These small plumbing issues keep the air in your bathroom moist and can lead to excess mold growth. Call your local plumber to make these plumbing repairs. It will save on water use and keep your bathroom drier, which can limit mold and mildew growth.

Mold and mildew are more than just an annoyance when it comes time to clean your bathroom. Mold spores can become airborne and travel to other areas of the house or cause health problems. Using these tips can reduce mold, saving you time on cleaning, plus protect your family’s health and against damage to your home.

Posted on behalf of:
Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.
2120 McDaniels Bridge Rd SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 884-4678

5 Common Bathroom Leaks

If there is a pool of water on your bathroom floor, yet no one has taken a bath or shower, you know there is a problem. A leak has sprung, but now you need to determine the source. Since almost every fixture in your bathroom is connected to plumbing, it could be from many places. Here are five of the most common bathroom leaks to help you find your source.

  1. Toilet seal. If the pool of water is near the base of your toilet, the wax ring around the base may have become unsealed. This requires an immediate fix – if left unsealed, the subfloor can quickly become warped and rotted, costing much more than a quick plumbing repair.
  2. Sink plumbing. Check under your bathroom sink and look for drips. Turn on the faucet and wait. It is common for a joint in the pipes to become unsealed and cause a leak.
  3. Bathtub. Bathtubs can get leaks in many places, from the faucet and grout to the tub itself. These can be more difficult to remedy and most likely will need the help of a plumber to fix.
  4. Shower. Just like the bathtub, your shower can also have leaks stemming from the showerhead fixture and grout leaks.
  5. Pipes. While these are all types of plumbing leaks, you can also have a leak in one of your main plumbing pipes behind the walls. This can seep through the drywall or flooring and can cause serious damage to your home.

Any leak, big or small, needs immediate attention. Call your local plumber to get the issue resolved quickly before your home sustains water or mold damage.

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

Preventing Mold In Your Bathroom

There are thousands of varieties of molds which can invade your home, especially your bathroom. Mold grows best in warm, moist environments, making your bathroom the ideal places to flourish.  Mold can stain your bathroom fixtures, plus can be a health hazard. Although there is no way to eliminate mold altogether, you can take steps to prevent its growth. 

Fortifying Your Bathroom Against Mold

There are several ways you can protect your bathroom and family against mold. The key is to reduce excess moisture and places for water to hide, which can lead to accelerated mold growth. By completing just a few preventative steps, you can greatly reduce the chance of having your bathroom become a Petri dish for mold spores. 

–        Wipe down showers and bathtubs after use. A quick wipe down of your shower walls and bathtub after each use will eliminate excess moisture. Educate your family about using their used towel to absorb the water left in the shower or tub after each use.

–        Fix drips or leaks. A dripping faucet or leaky bathroom pipe keeps moisture at a high level all day long. Call your local plumber to have these issues fixed, and reduce the moisture to prevent bigger plumbing problems down the road.

–        Grout and caulking. The grout around tiles and the caulking around the edges of your shower need to be maintained to reduce moisture seeping into cracks. Make sure your grout is properly sealed, and that caulking is sealing all seams.

–        Use your bathroom fan. An exhaust fan in your bathroom can reduce much of the moisture left in the air after a bath or shower. Make sure the fan is turned on during every shower or bath to remove the moist air. 

Preventing mold is much easier than trying to get rid of it once it invades your bathroom. With a few preventative measures, you can keep your bathroom clean and healthy, free from nasty, harmful mold.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Plumber

Making Your Bathroom Safer

Your bathroom may currently be the most dangerous room in your home. Thousands of bathroom related injuries occur every year that could be avoided by applying a few simple upgrades and safety measures. Contact your local plumber to help devise a plan to make your bathroom safer with the following upgrades:

  • Bars and Handles – These helpful fixtures should be strategically placed exactly where you’ll need them most: next to the toilet and upon entering and exiting the shower. You can trust your local plumber will come up with a plan to select which safety bars and handles will work best in your bathroom without interfering with the existing plumbing fixtures. The material of the chosen safety fixtures must be strong and durable to support your entire body weight to prevent a falls and to assist with proper balance.
  • Upgraded Toilets – For homeowners with mobility issues, disabilities or the elderly, it is essential that the bathroom toilet is easily accessible and tailored to the specific individual’s needs. New toilets designed for optimal accessibility are common market offerings, and can be installed by a licensed plumber.
  • Non-Slip Shower Options – Falls in the shower can cause untold pain and injury. Many people buy simple rubber mats to lay down in their shower. These generally are designed with small suction cups on the bottom side of the mat which will temporarily secure the mat to your tub or shower floor to help prevent slips and falling accidents. If you desire a more permanent solution, discuss the installation of a new shower designed to prevent slips and falls.

Posted on behalf of Kiddco Plumbing

 

Installing a High-efficiency Showerhead

What is the simplest way to reduce water usage in your house? Installing a high-efficiency showerhead, of course.

Many people have the misconception that today’s ultra low flow showerheads won’t rinse the soap off like the old models. How far from the truth! The EPA’s standard for showerheads is 2 gallons per minute. Combined with the variety of jetstreams available to choose from, this is more than enough to have you feeling clean and refreshed while lowering your water consumption.

Showerheads come in many shapes and sizes and can be found in any department store, hardware store, or plumbing supply store. Before installing your new showerhead, thoroughly read the included instructions for your specific model.

You’ll need a ladder or stepstool to comfortably reach the shower. Be sure to turn off the water valves before beginning. To remove the old showerhead, place a washcloth or old cleaning rag where you intend to unscrew with a wrench. This will prevent scratching if you intend to reuse your old showerhead in the future or sell it at your next yard sale.

When the old showerhead is removed, use a damp cloth to clean the threads of any dirty buildup before installing the new showerhead. At this point, wrap the threads with Teflon tape. This will prevent any leakage. Wrap clockwise so the tape will not come off during the installation of the new showerhead. Use your washcloth or old cleaning rag along with your wrench to attach the new showerhead and then turn the water on to ensure that it works properly.

Most showhead replacements can be done by a handy homeowner, but in some cases the showerhead is stuck to the water supply pipe. Also, the water supply pipe can break, especially if it is old or corroded.  Your local  plumber is an expert in bathroom plumbing repairs and can handle any problems you may encounter.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing

Bath Tub Replacement

Often homeowners will elect to upgrade or renovate their bathrooms in an effort to improve the functionality or the bathroom, as well as the appearance.  Typically, these upgrades are part of a larger bathroom renovation, which may include other new plumbing items including faucets and toilets.  If you are considering a bathroom renovation project, you should definitely consider replacing the existing bathtub or the soaking tub with a new unit.  While tearing out an existing tub may seem like a massive undertaking, a qualified plumbing contractor can make the replacement quickly and economically.

While it may appear that a bathtub is just a bathtub, this is not the case!  There are many options available, as well as different sizes in length as well as width and height.  The same thing applies to soaking tubs, which are available both with whirlpool jets and without the jets, as well as different shapes.   Standard bathtubs as typically available in cast iron, steel or a high performance plastic, while soaking tubs are typically a high performance plastic, such as acrylic.  The most popular colors are white and almond, but other colors are available as well.  Major manufacturers include Kohler, Sterling and Jacuzzi.

The plumbing contractor that you select will be able to select the tub that meets your needs as well as your budget.  In addition, they will recommend a product that will require the least amount of modification to the existing plumbing system in order to keep the costs down.  There is no need to settle on a partial bathroom renovation, when replacing that old tub is easy!

 

Selecting The Right Showerhead

As important to an individual’s restorative sleep is the optimal mattress; so, too, is the function of the showerhead to an individual’s satisfaction and comfort. A shower should also be restorative, leaving one feeling refreshed and energized. How disappointing and unsatisfactory, even downright irritating, is a showerhead that doesn’t function correctly.

Of course, it all boils down to personal preferences and, in today’s market, you have plenty to choose from. First, decide on your priorities. For instance, would you need the flexibility of a handheld shower or would a fixed-mount showerhead suffice? Is water conservation one of your priorities? Today you have the option of low water flow showerheads or ones that will automatically stop the flow of water while you scrub. If you are not concerned about the gallons of water used per minute in your shower, you can indulge in rain or downpour showerhead, whose name is self-defining.

If you suffer from dry or damaged skin, some showerheads today have filters that remove those discomfort causing contaminants. In addition to adjustable spray patterns, showerheads can also be purchased to be easily adjustable for height and position. Your local plumbing professional can help you easily wade through all of these options to find just the right showerhead to meet all of your needs and preferences.

Now that you know what kind of showerhead you’d prefer, all you have to do is to decide on the style and finish that would compliment your current bathroom fixtures. While polished chrome seems to currently be the most popular because of its low cost and versatility in matching existing fixtures, there are a variety of materials from which to choose including bronze or nickel. Your bathroom repair plumber can assist you in selecting a showerhead that fits with your both your needs and wants.