Water damage repair can be costly and tedious. Unfortunately, bathrooms are particularly susceptible to water damage. Indeed, they tend to be the room most exposed to high volumes of water, and regular use of toilets, sinks, showers, or baths can lead to pipe and fixture damage over time. If the issues aren’t fixed in time, they can create problems such as mould or even generate costly structural damage. Follow these tips to prevent water from damaging your bathroom.
Ensure your Tiling is Waterproof
Have you decided to update the look of your bathroom and want to DIY the tiling? While this might seem like an appealing idea, you should always ensure you take all the necessary steps to prevent future water damage. These include properly waterproofing the bathroom, using a good grout mix, and properly applied caulking.
Upgrade your Fixtures
Upgrading your fixtures to newer models can seem costly at first, but it can end up saving you a lot of money and hassle. Standard toilets, for instance, account for approximately 40% of your annual water consumption. According to Sydney Water, switching from an 11-litre single flush toilet to a 4.5/3 litre dual flush toilet can save you up to $352 a year.
Besides, old showerheads can use twice as much water as newer models.
As a result, using water-efficient bathroom fixtures can help you save on your water bill, prevent future costly water damage, and reduce your environmental footprint.
Unclog your Drain
If you’ve noticed your sink is draining slowly, the issue might be clogging. It’s very important to unclog your drain as soon as the clogging issue arises to prevent future water damage. Use a drain cleaner from Bunnings (or any hardware store) and follow the instructions. You can also try to pour a mixture of vinegar and baking soda down the drain. This will most likely fix the issue. However, if it doesn’t, the problem might be more severe, and you should call a plumber to inspect the blockages. To avoid clogging your plumbing system, make sure toilet paper is the only item you place in the toilet and discard anything else such as diapers, sanitary pads, or even hair in the bin.
Switch on the Exhaust Fan
Exhaust fans are specifically designed to draw out excess moisture from the bathroom, preventing it from infiltrating your walls. As a result, you should always turn on your fan when using the shower or bath. If your exhaust fan isn’t working as well as it should, you can also use a dehumidifier. Indeed, these appliances are engineered to absorb excessive moisture from the air, thus preventing any future water damage.
Inspect your Bathroom Floor
Checking your bathroom floor for water after taking a shower or a bath is important. Indeed, sitting water can lead to serious damage such as mould or structural damage. Therefore, you should always ensure the water is fully drained before leaving the room. Using a highly absorbent bath mat can help absorb water and prevent it from building up on your floors.