5 Common Showering and Bathing Mistakes

Your daily shower or bath is a simple part of your routine, but your regular habits can put your plumbing at risk without even realizing it. 

A few simple changes can keep your Wisconsin home’s plumbing running smoothly while extending the life of your fixtures. 

Let’s dive in. 

1. Letting Hair Go Down the Drain

One of the most common drain issues is clogs due to hair buildup. Each time you shower, loose strands of hair can accumulate in the drain, mixing with soap scum and other debris, creating stubborn drain clogs. 

Consider using a drain cover or hair catcher to prevent shower and tub blockages. You can find cheap options on Amazon or at your local box store. Regularly clean out the catcher and occasionally flush the drain with hot water and baking soda to keep your plumbing clear of backups. 

If you’ve already tried these tips for your shower or tub but are still dealing with clogs and standing water, contact our Watters Plumbing for a drain cleaning. 

2. Using Too Much Soap or Body Wash

Too much soap or body wash can seem harmless, but it can contribute to large plumbing problems over time. 

Traditional bar soaps, especially ones made with fats and oils, can leave behind a sticky residue that combines with hair and other debris from your shower, causing stubborn clogs. Even liquid body soap and shampoos can create buildup in your pipes if you or your family use too much over time. 

These buildups can cause slow drainage or standing water in your shower or bathtub. It can also cause soap accumulation on your shower walls. 

To prevent this issue, try reducing the amount of soap you use while washing or regularly flush your drain with hot water or vinegar to break down residue. 

3. Taking Extremely Hot Showers

Taking long, steaming showers after a long day can be the thing most Fox Valley residents need after a hard day, but they can cause consequences for your plumbing and home. 

Excessive heat can weaken caulking and seals around your shower or bathtub, leading to leaks that cause water damage over time. Prolonged exposure to hot water can also accelerate pipe corrosion, especially in older plumbing systems, increasing the risk of leaks or, in extreme cases, burst pipes. 

The high humidity from hot showers can also increase the likelihood of mold or mildew growth, damaging your bathroom walls or fixtures. 

Try lowering your water temperature to a comfortable but moderate level, and always turn on your bathroom fan before bathing to help prevent these issues. 

4. Ignoring Hard Water Buildup

Hard water buildup is a common issue in Fox Valley area bathrooms. Ignoring hard water buildup can lead to serious plumbing issues over time, including soap scum, clogged pipes, and it can even shorten the lifespan of your water heater. 

Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium that can leave behind the stubborn deposits you see on bathroom fixtures. To address these issues, consider installing a water softener to reduce mineral content or regularly descale fixtures with vinegar to break down build-up, keeping your fixtures functioning properly. 

5. Leaving a Dripping Showerhead or Faucet Unfixed

A dripping showerhead or faucet can seem like a minor issue, but it can lead to big problems if it isn’t fixed. 

Even a small constant drip can waste hundreds of gallons of water over time, driving up your water bill and strain your plumbing system. That’s the last thing you want to worry about in today’s economy. 

Persistent leaks can also cause hidden water damage, leading to mold growth, rusted fixtures, or even structural damage if the leak is hidden. Often, a warn-out washer or valve is to blame for the issue, and a simple repair can stop the leak before it worsens. 

Call the team at Watters Plumbing to thoroughly inspect your pipes. Our teram can identify leaks and potential problems that can be fixed immediately, keeping your home safe and saving you money in the long run. 

Contact Watters for Plumbing Services in the Fox Cities 

From clogged pipes to dripping showerheads, the expert plumbers at Watters are here to help you update your home and maintain peace of mind throughout the year. 

Join the Watters Premier Club to save big on regular maintenance and be at the top of the list for plumbing emergencies or scheduled appointments. 

Call us at (920) 204-7507 for top-of-the-line plumbing maintenance!