Most Americans require an average of approximately ten minutes for a shower. Now take that number and multiply it by the number of people using the shower each day and how many times they shower a day. It can all add up to a significant amount of time which makes the goal of shower health an increasingly important one if you want to limit issues with its long-term durability.

There are steps homeowners can take to maintain their bathroom’s shower health while also protecting it against future problems. Enlisting the help of a reputable plumber to help you maintain shower health could save you time, money, and inconvenience in the long run.

What to Look for In Your Shower’s Health

The bathroom is an area of the home that is very busy, but most homeowners do not think to specifically observe the condition of their shower’s health. This, however, can be an excellent practice as it can help identify potential trouble areas before they become even bigger and more expensive problems.

Some things to keep an eye on with your shower include:

Caulking

While cracking, discolored, and flaky caulking can be unsightly, it can be an even larger issue if it gets to the point that water can seep through areas that would normally be sealed by caulking. This can occur as the result of normal wear and tear and the use of particularly abrasive shower cleaners. Re-caulking a shower can be tricky because of the humidity often found in the bathroom, and if it’s not done correctly, it can lead to more problems.

Water flow to drain

If it seems like you are standing in more water than usual during a shower, it may be that there is a drain clog beginning to form. These clogs are generally formed by the accumulation of hair, soap, and other foreign substances. It is advised to address a clogged drain as soon as it visibly becomes an issue so that more problems do not develop in its wake.

Leaky shower head

The steady drip of water leaking from a shower head onto the basin can make for more than a noisy aggravation. Over time that leak could increase your water bill and possibly contribute to the growth of mildew on the shower floor from standing water.

Leaky shower pan

At the bottom of the shower is an area commonly referred to as the shower pan. Its job is to corral water and direct it to the drainage system. If the shower pan does not perform as expected, it could be that it has simply been worn down or shifted in a way that prevents proper drainage. If it is not working properly, it should be checked out by a licensed plumber.

Water pressure

When showering, the water pressure should generally be the same without much variance. While having the washing machine and dishwasher running at the same time the shower is running could slightly impact the water pressure, it would most likely be for the short term. Low water pressure any other time could indicate a faulty shower head or a bigger issue such as a pipe leak or break.

Temperature of water

If you notice a change in the water temperature when someone flushes an adjacent toilet, you may want to consider asking your plumber to install a thermostatic mixing valve. This will help regulate the water temperature.

If you see that any of the above situations are an area of concern for your shower, it is best to contact an experienced plumber for assistance.

Ways to Keep Your Shower Healthy

Whether you do not notice any of the above issues in your shower or you recently just had them fixed, it is important to monitor shower health to keep problems from developing or redeveloping. Some small steps homeowners can take in caring for their shower include:

Using good cleaning products

While it is important to keep the shower area clean, it is equally critical to not use an overly harsh chemical product. This can eat away at caulking and grout and create a whole host of issues that could have possibly been avoided.

Remove any visible hair or foreign substances

Taking a few minutes after each shower to manually remove strands of hair or debris in the shower can do wonders for keeping the shower drain free from clogs for longer periods of time.

Use something like a shower squeegee after every shower

A product such as a shower squeegee could keep hard water deposits from developing so quickly on the shower walls, which can also provide for cleaner and clearer looking translucent doors.

These may seem like small steps, but if you do them consistently it can ultimately increase the life of your shower health.

Since the shower is something that is used daily in most home it is important to consider making an appointment with a respected local plumber to have your shower health evaluated so you can avoid issues that may become worse if not addressed.

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