The bathrooms are one of the most used areas in the home and needs to have the proper plumbing to supply the sink, toilet, and bathtub/shower. The plumbing includes the shutoff valves and supply lines, having proper drains with traps to rough in plumbing. The bathroom needs proper electrical outlets with GFI protection and the lights and fan should all be switched independently and located at the entry of the room. The vanity and vanity top to the owners liking and incorporated into the décor providing the comfort desired. The mirror, medicine cabinet, towel bars and toilet paper holder all incorporated and properly placed to serve your needs. The floor coverings tile or linoleum might be used, as these products hold up well in bathrooms.

Bathrooms With simple maintenance, such as caulking and grouting of tub and shower areas, expensive repairs can be avoided. A well maintained, but outdated bathroom can often be updated by replacing wallpaper, shower doors, sink vanity and other minor items as small as a dripping faucet. When a bathroom replacement is undertaken, it is appropriate to change the wallboard and carefully inspect the sub-floor, electric, and the plumbing. These areas are a favorite place for homeowners to make cosmetic repairs although they are prone to hidden damage, which might revile underlying problems that need to be fixed.

BATHROOM MAINTENANCE

Homeowner’s Maintenance
Mildew : Moisture and mildew problems will occur in any room where water vapor is present. To reduce mildew, turn on the exhaust fan or slightly open a window when bathing. Wipe off wet tiles when done, and then hang up towels and washcloths to dry. To clean mildewed surfaces and reduce mildew odors, apply a liquid mildew agent in a well-ventilated room, followed by a disinfectant and thorough rinsing with clear water.

Soap Scum : In some geographic areas, water that is high in mineral content can contribute to the build-up of soap scum. To clean and remove this residue, wash the affected surfaces with a mild vinegar and water solution or use mildew removers found in most grocery stores.

Rust Stains : The contact of wet metal on sink surfaces, for example, the bottom of a shaving can, may produce rust stains. To remove them, apply a powdered rust remover following the manufacturer’s instructions.

CABINETS

Bathroom vanity cabinets are all selected for their attractive appearance, durability and ease of care. With proper maintenance, the cabinets will remain serviceable and attractive for many years.

Wood Cabinets : Wood tone and grain color variations are a normal part of wood’s beauty and reflect the natural characteristics of real wood. Clean wood cabinets with the same gentle care you would give any fine wood furniture. A light coat of wax or lemon oil applied once or twice a year will protect the finish and enhance its appearance.

Laminate Cabinets : Clean laminate cabinets with a soapy cloth or sponge, using a non-abrasive liquid household cleanser for more stubborn stains. There are one-step cleaning products available for laminates that clean, reduce streaking, and leave surfaces polished. As with all cleaning products, carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Shelves : Shelves are not designed to hold weight that exceeds 20 pounds per square foot. Keep heavier products on the bottom shelf of the base cabinets. If desired, apply contact paper to shelves to protect against scratches and stains

Drawer and Hinge Care : Check the hinges at least once a year for proper alignment and tightness, using a screwdriver to make necessary adjustments. Check drawers for easy movement and apply a silicone spray to the drawer guides, should sticking occur.

Nicks and Scratches : Hardware stores offer color-matching putty stains, and polymer fillers to cover and repair cabinet nicks and scratches.

CERAMIC TILE

The ceramic tile walls in your bathrooms are easy to maintain and, if properly maintained, will be mostly impervious to water. The seams, joints, and sealers are not waterproof and require proper maintenance to prevent water seepage and damage to materials adjacent to and underneath the tile. Cracks in the caulking joints between tile and tub, in the shower stall corners, and at the floor, are perfectly normal and are caused by the high degree of moisture present in every bathroom, as well as from the normal shrinkage of caulking material. Separations between the tub and wall tile are caused by the weight of the tub when filled with water.

Caulk cracks and separations of seams adjacent to tile can be repaired with a top quality flexible caulk, taking care to wipe the tile clean once caulking is completed. Do not use clear silicone-based caulk since it yellows with age and stains easily

Glazed Tile Showers:

Use an all-purpose bathroom cleaner. Let stand for five minutes, rinse and dry. Use a mixture of equal parts of water and white vinegar or a commercial tile cleaner. For stubborn stains, use chlorine bleach or scouring powder containing a bleaching agent. Let stand for four to six hours, then scrub and rinse thoroughly. To remove mildew, use a commercial tile cleaner, or chlorine bleach, or ammonia - DO NOT MIX!

Unglazed Tile Walls :

Sponge with a diluted solution of water and soap-less detergent. For deep cleaning, use scouring powder paste. Let stand five minutes, and then scour with a brush. Rinse and wipe dry.
1. Never use abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals or solvents on ceramic tile.
2. Unglazed tiles may need to be sealed on a regular basis.
3. Wipe off spills immediately.
4. Never use harsh cleaning agents such as steel wool pads, which can scratch or damage the surface of your tile.
5. Do not use a cleaning agent that contains color on unglazed tile. The pores in the ceramic could absorb the color.
6. Test scouring powders on a small area before using overall on tile.
7. Never combine ammonia and household bleaches.
8. If continuous staining is a problem on grout joints, use a sealer.

COUNTER TOPS AND VANITY TOPS

Bathroom countertops are covered with laminate material, cultured marble, or granite. For ceramic tile countertops, see section on “Ceramic Tile.”

Laminate Countertops : Clean laminate countertops with a soapy cloth or sponge or use a non-abrasive liquid household cleanser for more stubborn stains. There are one-step cleaning products available for laminates that clean, reduce streaking and leave surfaces polished. As with all cleaning products, carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Caution : Keep standing water away from the backsplash, side splashes, seams, and seal around the sink. These areas are prone to water damage, since excessive moisture will eventually break down the seal and cause swelling or delamination of the countertop. Check seams periodically and re-caulk as required.

Cultured Marble Vanity Tops : Clean cultured marble with a damp cloth and a non-abrasive detergent. When recaulking, use a flexible caulk. Use of a gel-gloss or aerosol spray may be used for further polishing.

Granite Countertops : Proper caution should be used when handling or using any cleaning products.

BATHROOM MIRRORS , SHOWER COMBINATIONS

Bathroom Mirrors

Clean bathroom mirrors and shower enclosures with an ammonia -free glass cleaner and a soft cloth, wiping several times to remove all glass cleaner residue. Most mirror failures are at the edges where “spillover” solutions attack the backing. By applying cleaner to the cloth rather than the mirror, this can be prevented. Do not use abrasive cleaners that will permanently scratch and mar mirror or glass surfaces. Do not expose mirror products to salt air for extended periods of time. Humidity, heat, and dampness can cause permanent damage, therefore, provide adequate ventilation in rooms with mirrors.

Shower Enclosures

Shower enclosures create extreme amounts of moisture; therefore, frequent checking of joint areas is recommended. Check caulking periodically to ensure against leaking. The use of clear silicone is recommended.

PLUMBING FIXTURES

The plumbing fixtures in your home include the water heater, bathtubs, showers, toilets, and sinks.

Water Heater The electric water heater is equipped with an automatic temperature and pressure relief valve, a safety feature that opens and releases excessive pressure or heat build-up. Should this occur, water will flow from the tank until both temperature and pressure are reduced to safe levels.

Hot Water Temperature : The manufacturer sets water temperature at 120 degrees F. While low temperature settings reduce utility costs, bear in mind that dishwashers do not operate properly with settings below 120 degrees F. Do not store combustible items, oily rags, clothing, brooms, or dust mops near the water heater, since this obstructs airflow and presents a potential fire hazard.

Scale : Small amounts of scale deposits will collect and settle to the bottom of the water tank. Remove this residue annually by draining the tank. Shut off the power first, using the appropriate circuit breaker in the electrical panel box. Attach a garden hose to the valve and run it outside the garage. Then, open the valve at the bottom of the water heater, allowing the residue to drain out or until the water runs clear. If you live in a hard water region, a water softener will reduce the need for more frequent draining.
Do not completely drain an electric water tank without first shutting off the water heater circuit breaker. Otherwise, the heating element will quickly burn up.

Fixtures Bathroom sinks, toilets, and bathtubs that are made with cultured marble, plastic, stainless steel, or steel finished with porcelain.

To clean, use a non-abrasive spray cleanser and sponge. Dropping heavy objects into porcelain can chip or crack the surface, and may produce permanent staining. Do not leave steel wool pads on sink surfaces, as they will rust and stain the surface.
Be aware that continuous action toilet bowl cleaners, placed in the toilet water tank, will prematurely wear out the rubber tank flapper and may discolor the bowl.

Bathroom Sinks : Sink surfaces can be easily chipped and stained, so treat them accordingly. Prevent hair accumulation clogs by periodically removing the stopper for cleaning or purchase a rubber hair collector. Avoid setting lit cigarettes on the edge of the sink, as they will burn and permanently damage the surface.

Bathtubs, Showers and Tub-Shower Combinations

Cleaning : Clean porcelain-on-steel bathtubs, cultured marble tubs and sinks, fiberglass showers and tub-shower combinations, and shower stall floors with warm water and a non-abrasive cleanser. Clean glass shower doors with a commercial glass cleaner. Check bathtub stoppers and shower floor drain grates for hair accumulation. Do not use ammonia -based cleaners. Gel-Gloss is recommended for polishing cultured marble.
Do not step into a bathtub or tub-shower with shoes on. Gritty particles adhere to shoe soles that will scratch the finish.

Re-Caulking of the Tubs and Showers : Over time, cracks and separations between tub or shower stall and wall surfaces or bathroom floors will appear. Maintaining these areas is critical since excessive moisture can severely damage underlying materials. It will be necessary to re-apply a tub and tile caulk when the previous caulking has dried out or eroded. To re-caulk the area, use a tub and tile caulk available in local hardware stores. Do not use a clear silicone caulk. Begin by removing the old caulk and cleaning the area. Once the area is dry, apply fresh caulkin g to fill the vacant space and then smooth out the finish with a wet finger.

Whirlpool Tub
Caution : Never run the pump motor without at least two inches of water above the jets. Running the pump with improper water levels will damage the pump. Always turn the pump off during draining. Do not add bath oils, bubble soap or any other liquid to the water.
Homeowner’s Maintenance Guidelines
1. Check for leaks periodically by looking around the base of the tub.
2. Every two or three months, fill the tub with hot water and add a small amount of liquid dishwasher non-foaming detergent. Run the pump for 10 minutes. This will clean the pipes and the pump’s internal parts.

Interior Faucets

Interior faucets are either single -lever faucets or washer faucets.

Single -Lever Faucets : The single-lever kitchen and bath faucets are low maintenance, washer-less faucets. Should the cartridge ever need to be replaced, turn off the water supply under the sink, remove the handle assembly, and pull the cartridge out. Take the cartridge to a local plumbing supplier and match accordingly, being sure to follow installation instructions.

Polished Brass Fixtures : Polished brass is virtually guaranteed to pit and tarnish. Besides the climate, there may be other catalysts that cause this reaction to occur. Cleaning agents, standing water, shampoos, toothpastes, and personal hygiene products are among the items that may heighten the tarnishing and pitting process. Any cleaning agent that contains harsh chemicals will most certainly wear through the protective coating applied to brass. The manufacturers of polished brass recommend the use of plain water and polishing with a soft cloth.

Chrome Faucets : Chrome faucets should be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth and a commercially accepted cleaner. Dry the faucet with a soft cloth. Never use an abrasive or ammonia-based cleaner.
Water Faucets : A washer faucet has a shut-off feature that requires light closing pressure to stop the flow of water. Do not apply too much pressure since washers can be damaged

Faucet Aerators : Screened aerators screw into the spout of a faucet to add air to the flowing water, which reduces splashing. Aerators are easy to remove for periodic cleaning. This should be done every three to four months.

Washer Replacement : Dripping faucets can dramatically increase water bills and represent the loss of a valuable natural resource. Over time, all washers will wear out and must be replaced. Neglecting to change washers may cause damage to the valve seat or to the entire faucet. Many homeowners prefer to do this simple replacement procedure themselves.
1. Turn off the water supply intake valve located under the sink.
2. Using a wide-jaw wrench, remove the hexagonal cap from the top of the faucet assembly. This may take a turn or two.
3. Remove the inside part, turn it upside down and you will see a fiber washer held by a screw through its center. This is the source of the leak. The screw will remove easily, but the washer itself may take a little prying to remove.
4. Match the new washer to the worn out washer and replace it. Re-use the same screw if it is in good condition. Then reassemble the faucet.

Noisy pipe problems can be identified and corrected as follows:
1. The water heater temperature may be set too high, producing steam in the pipes. To resolve, gradually reduce the water heater temperature setting until the steam is reduced.
2. Abruptly turning off a faucet in areas with high water pressure can produce a pounding or knocking sound. To resolve, slightly close the main shut-off valve.
3. Air can get into the plumbing pipes. To resolve, open all interior and exterior faucets and run for a few minutes, allowing all air to pass through the system.

Main Shut-Off Valve

This is the center of the plumbing system, the point at which the main water line comes into the home. If a major plumbing problem occurs, turn off the main shut-off valve to prevent flooding. It is a good idea to show every family member where the shut-off valve is, explain how to close it in case of an emergency, and to mark it with an easy-to-locate identification tag.

Water Intake Valves : Most plumbing fixtures in the home have a water intake valve to individually shut off the water to that fixture for minor repairs and emergencies. Show family members how to operate them and where they are located on sinks, bathtubs, showers, toilets, water heater, washing machine and laundry tub. Toilet valves are behind the toilet and sink valves are under the sink.

Drain Traps : Every plumbing fixture in the home is equipped with a drain trap, an S-shaped pipe that holds water and acts as a barrier to keep airborne bacteria and sewer gas odors from coming back into the home. If a sink or bathtub fixture is not used frequently, turn it on periodically to replace evaporating water and to keep the water trap barrier intact.

Drain traps can be cleaned : by putting three tablespoons of ordinary washing soap (not baking soda) into the drain. Add a little hot water, let stand for 15 minutes, and then flush with hot water. Use a rubber plunger to unclog a blocked toilet. Caution: Do not pour grease into drains or toilets, or use caustic cleansers to open plugged drains. Do not use a plunger with any drain cleaning chemicals. When using a chemical drain cleaner, carefully follow the manufacturer’s safety precautions and product directions.