Tips and Tricks for Bathtub Maintenance 

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

Splish Splash SERVPRO's takin' a bath

As parents we know it’s bound to happen one day. We walk into the bathroom and find water all over the floor. Your kiddo has filled the tub too high and it’s overflowed. Or they’ve made too many waves and you find yourself surfing over to the tub to soak up the water with towels. If only bathtub issues stopped there. The unfortunate truth is that, like, toilets and sinks, parts in your bathtub get old, corroded, and clogged.   

Even Your Bathtub Needs Regular Maintenance

According to TheSpruce.com many of your bathtub issues can come from issues with your overflow tube. This is the mechanism that allows the water to flow down the drain rather than onto the floor. Here are just a couple of things to look out for.

1. Calcification

Calcification can be a big problem especially if you live in an area with hard water. Luckily it’s an easy clean and you don’t even need heavy cleaners. Calcium deposits are easily wiped off with white vinegar. But if the problem is bad enough you may need to soak the mechanisms in the vinegar before they come off. 

1. Mold or Mildew 

Mold and mildew may require a slightly tougher cleaner, and definitely require higher safety standards. That pesky little fungus can build up and form a film over the slit in the tub where the overflow tube sits. In this case, you may need to open up the mechanisms to clean it out. Otherwise, if the issue is too bad you may need to get help from a plumber. 

Another maintenance tip is to make sure that the seal in your bathtub is still effective. Over time the silicon can come away from the tub and the tile. This break in the seal can allow moisture to get behind the tub and the tile causing issues with the drywall. It’s best to check this seal at least once a year and replace it about every 5 years. If quarantine has you feeling like Mr. or Madame Fix-it, this is an easy repair to make yourself or you can call your local plumber or handyman to do it for you.

The last and most simple thing you can do for your tub is to make sure the tile, grout, and surface of your tub are clean. It’s best to clean the soap build-up and calcium deposits off at least once a month. This can help prevent a mildew buildup as well as clogged drains. While you're at it, don’t forget to check your drain for any clumps of hair stuck in the stopper. 

The professionals at SERVPRO of Boone County know how to help you in any scenario. Whether that be a bathtub overflow or mold remediation from a broken seal gone unnoticed. Call our office today for services or a free estimate. Someone is available 24/7 to assist you with your emergency needs.