Common Bathroom Problems and How to Fix Them

The bathroom is one of the most important parts of the home. It receives a high volume of traffic, like the living room. Hence, an issue with your bathroom rarely goes unnoticed and can be a source of discomfort for the family or staff. 
This is why you are looking for how to fix common bathroom problems without hiring the services of a plumber. Fixing bathroom problems when they surface not only promotes comfort in the home or office but also enhances healthy living and protects the structural integrity of your property.
Interestingly, many bathroom problems are what you can fix on your own without expensive plumbing services. 
Here is a compilation of the most reported bathroom issues and how you can fix them:

1.Leaky Faucets

Regardless of how little they are, leaky faucets can waste your water and disrupt your peace as the water drips into your basins. Thankfully, this is what you can fix with a few common tools by replacing the old washer or cartridge, which is suspected to have worn out. 

How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

Replacing a worn-out washer or cartridge depends on your brand of faucet. Hence, you want to consult the manufacturer’s instructions on how to fix the faucet. You can also watch online tutorial videos on fixing your brand of faucet.

2.Clogged Drains

For many of us who have experienced clogged drains, we can attest to how frustrating they can be. The sight of standing water is disturbing, and the unpleasant odors that accompany it make matters worse. 
Common causes of a clogged bathroom drain include a huge hair collection, soap scum, and other dirt in the drain. 

How to Fix a Clogged Drain

You can fix a blocked drain by removing stubborn debris with a drain snake after applying a solution of vinegar and baking soda. A vacuum machine can also help create a suction to dislodge the blockage. 

3.Low Water Pressure

Low pressure can be frustrating and mar your bathroom experience. Imagine yourself spending more time than usual in the bathroom. This is the handiwork of low-pressure water from your shower or washer, and several factors play culprit in this issue. 
Common causes of low pressure in the bathroom include mineral buildup and clogged aerators, while faulty showerheads and leaky pipes cannot be overruled, especially in older plumbing systems.  
Gladly, this is another issue you can fix yourself. A clogged aerator or showerhead only means that the affected fixture has collected too many mineral deposits over time and can no longer allow free water flow. 

How to Fix Low Water Pressure in the Bathroom

Start by loosening and soaking the clogged aerators or showerheads in a vinegar solution for several hours. Where these fixtures are damaged, consider replacing them. 
With this simple fix, your water should start flowing at the right pressure. If not, call on a professional plumber. 

4.Running Toilets

A running toilet is another source of water wastage in the bathroom, and the noise that comes with it can challenge your peace. 
The primary causes of a running toilet include a broken flapper valve or a malfunctioning float mechanism that causes continuous water flow. 

How to Fix a Running Toilet 

Fixing a running toilet starts with accessing components in the toilet tank and adjusting the float or replacing the broken flapper valve. You also want to adjust the chain or float height for a better result and check that the toilet buttons are intact. 
However, if you own an in-wall cistern, let a professional handle the fix, as accessing the affected parts can be challenging. 

5.Unpleasant Smells

Strange smells in the bathroom are not uncommon. They are the telltale signs of the presence of bacteria and undetected plumbing leaks in the bathroom. 

How to Fix Unpleasant Smells In the Bathroom

Seal all leaky pipes and run water through every fixture in the system, especially those that have not been used recently. You also want to ensure the drain stoppers and overflow ports are all clean. 
If this problem persists, it is time to invite a certified plumber over to your place for expert treatment. 

6.Mold or Mildew Buildup

Mold in the bathroom always comes with black or green spots around the walls, ceiling, or tub. Bathrooms are vulnerable to this unpleasant development due to their moist condition and poor ventilation. 

How to Remove Mold and Mildew Buildup in the Bathroom 

Apply a vinegar solution to the affected area and remove mold using a mold remover. While this is effective in removing mold and mildew from your bathroom space, it makes sense to avoid future occurrences by installing an exhaust fan for improved ventilation. 
You also want to ensure all leaks in your bathroom plumbing system, especially areas covered with tiles, are sealed as these are common reason why mold develop in the bathroom. 

7.Blocked Sewer Line

The purpose of a sewer line is to collect all wastewater and transport it underground. However, when this system becomes clogged, several issues arise. 
Sewer line blockages are a common cause of many problems in the bathroom, including foul odors and sewage. Plus, due to the increased pest activities in a blocked sewer line, this condition poses potential health risks to occupants. 

How to Fix a Blocked Sewer Line

Fixing the problem requires identifying its cause. Common causes of a blocked sewer line are debris buildup, root obtrusion, and structural damage to the sewer line. Hence, it makes sense to address the cause to fix a sewer line blockage in your plumbing system. 
If the problem is beyond what you can navigate, don’t hesitate to let a trained professional handle it. 

Conclusion

A leaky faucet or running toilet may seem like a simple, harmless problem initially, but it can degenerate into severe issues in the long run, which costs you more money to fix. Hence, you want to attend to every problem in your bathroom at an early stage, regardless of how simple they might appear. 
The good news is that many of these problems are what you can fix with the right tools around you and a little know-how. However, be careful with handling components in your toilet so you don’t break them and cause further trouble while trying to fix simple ones. 
If you think a bathroom issue is more than what you can fix, let a professional plumber handle it.  
Note that you can get bathroom and toilet spare parts online or at any nearby hardware store.