Bathroom problems and their solutions.
Today we'll discuss common bathroom problems and easy-to-understand solutions. Some can be done yourself, while others may require a plumber. We've selected 10 classic issues that most people struggle with. Are any of them affecting you? Let's find out!
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1. Floor Drain Not Draining Quickly
This is a very common problem in most bathrooms. When showering or washing your hair, water often pools and doesn't drain properly, causing stains on the floor. Over time, soap residue can clog the drain.
Solution: The floor drain should be of standard size, with a diameter of at least 3 inches, allowing water to drain quickly. Choose a floor drain with a double-layered grate cover to prevent dirt and debris from entering the pipe. Importantly, regularly clean the floor drain; don't let dirt or hair block the drain hole. If the problem persists, you may need to call a plumber to check if the floor slope is correct. 1. Slope ratio approximately 1:200
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2. Hard-to-clean areas in the bathroom
Bathrooms have many nooks and crannies because they contain several fixtures, at least a sink and a toilet. Some areas, such as behind or under the toilet, can be difficult to clean. Leaving these areas untreated will lead to the accumulation of dirt and germs, resulting in poor hygiene and negatively impacting the health of residents.
Solution: Bathroom tiles and fixtures are relatively easy to maintain and clean. Regular cleaning is recommended. For hard-to-reach corners, use a variety of cleaning tools in small, medium, and large sizes to reach and clean difficult-to-access areas. Choose effective disinfectant cleaning products, but be careful not to use overly strong cleaners that can erode grout and create new breeding grounds for germs.
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3. Electrical short circuits caused by plugs and switches in the bathroom
Some homes may not have a properly planned electrical system in their bathrooms. If someone wants to install a power outlet for a hair dryer near the sink and has an improperly installed one, it could lead to an electrical short circuit during use. This can pose a life-threatening danger to bathroom users.
Solution: Electrical outlets and switches in the bathroom should be at least 70 cm above the floor, or at the same level as the sink counter, and must be in a dry area only to avoid getting them wet. Furthermore, waterproof outlets or switches with waterproof covers should be used to prevent accidents. Electrical devices should not be left plugged in; store them immediately after use.
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4. Water damage to walls or ceilings adjacent to the bathroom
Some walls and ceilings adjacent to the bathroom may experience water damage, peeling paint, or flaking wallpaper. Even after repainting and repairing the walls, the problem persists. The main cause is usually moisture seeping through the bathroom.
Solution: Check for leaks in the walls or ceilings connecting to the bathroom. If any are found, have them repaired. Seal any leaks; do not leave them unattended, as this can lead to cracking. Before tiling the bathroom, it is essential to apply a moisture-resistant or waterproofing sealant to the walls, especially around the shower and bathtub. Check for water seepage thoroughly. The ceiling should be made of moisture-resistant gypsum board specifically designed for bathrooms.
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5. Insufficient Bathroom Storage
Although the intended purpose of a bathroom isn't to store a large number of items, many essential items need to be kept there, such as toilet paper, soap, shampoo, cosmetics, and cleaning supplies. Most bathroom designs overlook this, resulting in items being haphazardly placed on the sink counter, leading to the accumulation of dirt and grime.
Solution: The design should prioritize practical use from the outset. Include closed cabinets under the sink counter for dry storage of toilet paper and cleaning supplies. For frequently used items like soap and shampoo, choose open shelves within easy reach. For cosmetics and skincare, consider cabinets with mirrored doors to maximize storage space.
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6. High Bathroom Humidity
Humidity is a common problem in bathrooms, leading to mold growth, unsanitary conditions, and negative health consequences.
Solution: The bathroom should be adjacent to an outdoor area and have openings to allow natural light to enter, which helps kill germs, and to allow ventilation, reducing musty odors. However, if window placement isn't feasible, other solutions may be needed. Installing a ceiling-mounted exhaust fan will help ventilate and reduce humidity, eliminating musty odors. It's recommended to leave it on for at least 15-30 minutes after showering or using the toilet.
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7. The entire bathroom floor gets wet after showering.
Even though it's called a bathroom, a good bathroom shouldn't be wet all over. There should be a separation between wet and dry areas so that sitting on the toilet or brushing teeth and washing your face can be dry and comfortable, not damp and musty, which affects respiratory health and makes cleaning more difficult.
Solution: Clearly separate the dry and wet areas according to their use. The dry area should include the sink and toilet. The wet area should include the shower area, whether with a bathtub or showerhead. This can be easily done with a plastic shower curtain or, if there's enough space, a glass shower screen.
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8. Clogged drain.
When using the sink or toilet, dirty drain water doesn't drain properly, overflowing the sink or toilet, causing dirt, grime, and unpleasant odors.
Solution: For sinks, initially, drain all the water. Then, try unscrewing the drain pipe under the sink. Usually, it's easy to remove. You'll find hair, fur, and soap residue accumulating and causing a blockage. However, if you can't remove the pipe... Try buying a drain and plug unclogging liquid, available at most supermarkets. Pour it down the drain. Read the label carefully for instructions; it's quite strong but effective.
For clogged toilets, there are solutions ranging from mild to severe. For example, pour an entire bottle of dish soap down the drain to help lubricate, or pour boiling water into the center of the bowl (aim carefully to avoid splashing). If these two methods don't work, you'll need to call a plumber.
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9. Insufficient Lighting
Most bathrooms only use downlights. Without an opening, there may be insufficient lighting, possibly due to the small size of the lights, resulting in limited light distribution.
Solution: For areas with heavy use, such as makeup and hair styling, where bright light is needed, add task lights. These could be wall-mounted lights near the mirror. If a window isn't possible, consider creating a skylight in the ceiling and replacing the roofing material in that area with transparent material to allow natural light into the bathroom.
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10. Slippery Floor, Potentially Dangerous
Some flooring materials are aesthetically pleasing but unsuitable for bathroom floors. For example, glossy marble can be slippery when wet, posing a safety hazard.
Solution: Choose tiles or stone with a rough, matte surface. Many hardware stores now offer a wide variety of rough-surfaced bathroom tiles. Alternatively, without replacing the tiles entirely, consider using non-slip rubber mats in wet areas or installing grab bars in various locations throughout the bathroom. This will help elderly individuals get up from the toilet or walk safely on wet surfaces.
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(Thanks to home.com for this helpful information.)
