Common Bathtub Plumbing Problems and How to Solve Them
While many bathtub-related plumbing issues require the help of an experienced professional to resolve, you may be able to try a thing or two before calling in a plumber. In fact, you can often fix simple problems like clogged drains, leaking faucets and drains, and low water pressure yourself! To help you do this, we’ve compiled a few of the most common bathtub issues and a solution or two to try for each of them.
Of course, even the most dedicated DIYer can sometimes find themselves stumped. So, if you’ve given our fixes a go and just can’t make them work, remember that the team at RedFin Plumbing Co. is standing by to help!
How Do I Fix a Clogged Drain?
A clogged drain is probably the most common bathtub issue that homeowners have to face. In addition to slowing drainage, a clog can cause scum to build up around the tub.
The first thing you can try to fix a clog is to pour a combination of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water down the drain; this will clear up minor clogs without the use of harmful storebought drain cleaners. If this combination doesn’t fix the clog, the next step might be to use a drain snake or hook. Clogs usually happen when hair builds up in the drain, and a snake will catch all the hair and allow you to pull it back out.
If all else fails or you simply want to leave this job to a professional, call the team at RedFin Plumbing Co.! And in the future, we recommend using a drain cover that will catch the hair before it ever gets into your drain. You can empty the drain cover as often as necessary, and you won’t have to resort to using a snake or calling in a plumber.
How Do I Fix a Leaking Faucet?
Over time, the parts inside the bathtub faucet are bound to wear out. If your tub’s faucet is leaking, you may want to examine its cartridges, gaskets, and washers to see if any need to be replaced. These parts can be purchased at your local hardware store and aren’t too difficult to swap out. If you aren’t sure how to replace them or what needs to be replaced, RedFin Plumbing Co. is here to help.
How Do I Fix a Leaking Drain?
Just like with the faucet, your drain can start to leak when a part has worn out. The part of your drain that’s most likely to fail in this way is the drain gasket, the piece under the tub. You can replace the gasket or call a professional to do it. If you’re worried about making things worse, our team can come in to assess the situation and provide the necessary solution.
How Do I Fix Low Water Pressure?
While low water pressure isn’t an urgent problem, it can definitely be a nuisance! Low pressure can result from mineral deposits in the aerator of your showerhead, and increasing your water pressure can be as simple as removing your aerator and cleaning it in vinegar. However, not all water pressure problems can be fixed that easily, especially since your water pressure can be low due to any number of issues. Our plumbers at RedFin Plumbing Co. can evaluate your shower and fix the problem in no time.
What If I Can’t Fix the Problem?
Ultimately, we understand that most homeowners don’t have the time, tools, or knowledge to fix most plumbing problems. In fact, sometimes trying to fix a plumbing issue yourself can make the problem worse. For example, using a drain snake incorrectly or pushing it too hard can break your plumbing fixtures.
So, if you try the solutions above and they don’t work, don’t push the issue! Instead, put down the drain snake and pick up the phone. For plumbing solutions done right the first time, call RedFin Plumbing Co. We make it easy to get the bathtub solutions you need at a price you can afford.