Some bathroom habits are hard to break. We’re not referring to the fact that your kids eat granola bars on the toilet, or your husband forgets to use the air freshener.
We’re talking about the bathroom behaviors that lead to mold, mildew, and clogged drains. Prolong the life of your plumbing and avoid costly emergencies by setting a few goals surrounding your bathroom routines.
Capture Hair Before It Goes Down the Drain
Hair can quickly clog a shower drain. This is especially true if the strands are mixed with soap scum and beauty product residue. Even the short, straight hairs that fall from your face while you shave can create a slimy mess that clogs your drain.
Prevent hair from entering your pipes by installing a drain insert. There are many different styles available. You might need to experiment before you find the one that works best for your household.
Stop Using Liquid Drain Cleaner
Liquid drain cleaner can corrode your pipes even if the label says that it won’t. Plus, it’s not exactly safe for people or the environment.
Instead of pouring harsh chemicals down your drain, try to unclog it manually. You can often reach down the drain with gloved fingers to pull out debris that’s responsible for a clog. Learning how to use a snake can be much more effective than relying on a liquid drain cleaner.
Because small clogs become big clogs.
Try these safer drain cleaner alternatives and call a professional plumber to ensure that you’ve tackled the problem.
Kill and Prevent Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew in the bathroom are unsightly and can pose health risks. This year, make it a priority to kill existing mold and mildew and prevent new growth.
Use a product such as bleach or hydrogen peroxide to kill any mold that’s already in your bathroom. You can also find many products that are designed for this use.
Prevent the mold from growing back by taking the following steps:
- Use the bathroom fan while the shower or bath is running and for 20 minutes afterward.
- Keep the tub clean and free of soap scum, which can create the perfect environment for mold to grow.
- Wash towels and bath mats regularly.
- Clean or replace your shower curtain if it develops mildew spots.
- Don’t keep beauty products in your shower; mold often grows behind and underneath them.
Watch What Goes Down Your Sink
If you’re used to brushing food scraps into the sink, it’s time to ditch that habit. (This applies mainly to kitchen sinks, but the things we’ve seen would surprise you.)
Anything oily or fatty can build up in your pipes. The residue can eventually shrink the passageways and capture other debris, which causes clogs.
Place oil or greasy food directly into the garbage. You should avoid putting these in the garbage disposal, too.
In the bathroom, you might want to avoid oil-based scrubs, shaving cream, and fizzy bath bombs, which can build up in your drains over time.
Stop Ignoring Drips and Leaks
Have you gotten used to that drip in your sink that used to keep you up at night? Does your dripping toilet wake you up every morning?
You shouldn’t ignore small plumbing problems. They’ll eventually become more complicated issues.
Even the most minor leaks can cause water damage. When moisture ends up somewhere that it’s not supposed to be, it can be a haven for mold growth. Inspect your plumbing regularly for leaks, corrosion, and rust.
Don’t Let Small Habits Turn Into Big Plumbing Problems
The way you use your bathroom every day has a bigger impact than you might think. Small habits can quietly lead to costly repairs over time.
The good news is that most plumbing issues are preventable with a few simple changes. By being more mindful now, you can protect your pipes, avoid unexpected headaches, and keep everything running smoothly for years to come.
If you notice an issue, call Coast Plumbing, Heating, and Air. We work around the clock to handle any plumbing needs. Our technicians have the experience, resources, and tools necessary to detect problems, and we fix them affordably and quickly.
FAQs About Bathroom Habits to Break
Only toilet paper and human waste should be flushed. Items like wipes (even “flushable” ones), paper towels, cotton balls, and feminine hygiene products can clog pipes and damage your plumbing system.
Recurring slow drains are often a sign of buildup deeper in your pipes, like hair, soap scum, or grease. Surface-level fixes may help temporarily, but the root issue usually needs a more thorough clean.
Yes. Frequent use of harsh chemical cleaners can corrode your pipes over time, leading to leaks and expensive repairs. It’s better to use gentler methods or call a professional if clogs persist.
If you’re dealing with recurring clogs, multiple slow drains, foul odors, or backups, it’s time to call a professional before the problem gets worse.