Basic shower maintenance, such as clearing clogged drains and replacing a damaged drain, can often be completed without the help of a plumber. Unfortunately, if you go about these repairs and procedures the wrong way, you may be doing more harm than good. Here are some common shower maintenance mistakes to avoid.
Using Chemical Drain Cleaner On a Tough Clog
Chemical drain cleaner is designed to break down tough clogging materials. If it sits in your pipes for too long, it may cause damage to the pipes, too. Avoid using drain cleaner when your shower drain is completely clogged, it may lead to corrosion and later to leaking pipes. If you cannot clear a completely clogged drain with a plunger, call your plumber.
Using a Washer to Seal Your New Shower Head
A new shower head can make your shower feel more luxurious. Many shower heads that you purchase at the store come with a washer to seal the head to the outflow pipe. This washer is not usually sufficient to seal the head and may lead to leaks and corrosion. Always wrap Teflon plumber’s tape around the threaded pipe end for a better seal.
Continually Removing Mineral Deposits From Your Shower Head
Mineral deposits slow the flow of water from your shower head. However, continually removing them with limescale remover or vinegar is just a temporary fix. Mineral deposits are a sign that you have hard water. If there are deposits on your shower head, there are probably deposits further down your pipes, too. These can eventually cause clogs. A better approach is to install a whole-home water softener to remove minerals from the water and prevent all deposits.
Are you having trouble clearing a clogged shower drain? Does your shower need other maintenance? Avoid shower maintenance mistakes and contact Aladdin Plumbing in Brooklyn Heights to schedule an appointment today.