Changing Your Cleaning Routine To Avoid Water Damage

Because the bathroom is used so frequently, it is no surprise that it is such a common place for water damage to occur. By inspecting bathroom appliances regularly, you can find problems sooner and get them addressed before they lead to major water damage. 

Water Damage In Cedar Rapids

Here are some things you should incorporate to your bathroom cleaning schedule that can help reduce the risk of water damage from happening.

1. Check The Plumbing Regularly

You should inspect the pipes in your bathroom regularly and look for any signs that may indicate they are leaking. As pipes age, they will begin to rust and corrode, which can weaken the pipes integrity and lead to leaks. Checking your pipes at least once a year can help you catch the signs of damaged pipes and get them repaired before leaks occur. Pipes under sinks that lead to the toilet need to be checked on a regular basis.

2. Inspect Your Shower And Tub

Grout and caulk around tubs and showers seal these fixtures and prevent water from leaking out and around them. If you notice separation in caulk or grout, or areas that are chipped, cracked, or deteriorating in places, get it repaired and resealed before any water is used in the area. Consider reapplying caulk every few years to prevent any leaks before they can occur. 

3. Keeps Drains And Pipes Clean

Clogged or backed-up drains disrupt water flow. When water is not able to flow freely down drains, it will back up and overflow into your bathroom. Excess soap scum, grime, and hair can easily build up inside pipes and clog drains in bathrooms. Drain shields and guards keep materials from going down the drain, which helps prevent clogs from occurring. They catch and stop excess grime, scum, and hair so that you can wipe them down and throw them out instead of letting them go down the drain into the pipes. These drain guards are inexpensive, can be purchased from the local hardware store, and are simply placed over the drain. You should also clean your drains and pipes periodically with either commercial grade drain cleaner or a mixture of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water to clean off build up from inside the drainpipe.

4. Take Care Of Your Toilet

Toilets can clog and overflow easily and frequently when not cared for or used properly. Make sure that you are not flushing too much toilet down the toilet, and do not flush anything other than toilet paper. Sanitary wipes and personal hygiene products should be thrown in the garbage instead of flushed down the toilet, where they can get stuck in the plumbing and cause clogs and sewage backup. If you have small children in your home, do not let them flush items down the toilet and teach them that only small amounts of toilet paper go in the toilet. Keep your toilet clean, and watch the water level in the toilet bowl. If it is too low or too high, that could be a sign of a drainage problem somewhere. 

Keeping your bathroom clean, and performing regular inspections in and around the appliances in your bathroom, can greatly reduce the risk of water damage. If you do suffer any type of water damage in your bathroom, or anywhere else in your home for that matter, call Challis Restoration Services. We provide water damage cleanup, repair, and restoration services in Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas, and will be able to get the problem resolved quickly.