3 Bad Habits That Are Destroying Your Bathroom

Whether it's due to misleading packaging, the promise of convenience, or simply overlooking the potential consequences of certain habits, it's all too easy to develop bad habits that can cause major damage to your bathroom over time.

Let's take a look at some of the most common bathroom mistakes people make.

Not Using Proper Steam Ventilation

The sauna-like atmosphere of a steamy bathroom may seem relaxing, but excessive moisture can be at the root of various problems, including...

  • Mold

  • Chipping or peeling paint

  • Water damage to your drywall or woodwork

Crack open a window or turn your ventilation fan on to keep steam at a minimum.

Flushing the Wrong Products

Some products like wipes or feminine care items may bill themselves as flushable, but don't buy the hype.

Even though some of these items are technically biodegradable, they rarely break down before causing clogs. Toss these in the trash, not the toilet.

Using Harsh Chemicals

It's often second nature to reach for a bottle of chemical drain cleaner when your sink is running slow, but turning to harsh chemicals can lead to leaks and costly plumbing repairs.

Drain cleaners contain caustic elements that soften the materials clogging your drain. However, these strong substances can corrode metal pipes or weaken polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes.

Instead, use using chemical drain cleaners, try to dislodge the clog with a plunger. If that fails, call a plumber.

Sometimes the root cause of a clog is more severe than you realize, such as a root infestation or other stubborn blockage that a chemical drain cleaner wouldn’t be effective against. Plumbers have the tools and know-how to remove these obstructions safely.

Bottom line: Your bathroom’s plumbing system can handle a lot, but drain cleaners and so-called flushable wipes can cause costly headaches. And take it easy on the steam. If you encounter any plumbing dilemmas, contact Mark Johnson Plumbing at (318) 257-6167.