Back to School Plumbing Tips

It’s almost time for back-to-school, which means your bathrooms are going to become busy stomping grounds for your family. With your schedules getting busier, the competition for the bathroom in the morning can be fierce, and so can the wear and tear on your bathroom. You may experience shower backups, mold growth, and clogged drains. At NH Ross, we know that your bathroom is one of the most important rooms in your home. That’s why we’ve compiled these tips to help your new school year starting smoothly.

Stagger Shower Times

Back to back showers will put a lot of extra pressure on your home’s water heater. Instead of relay-racing your showers, try to stagger your shower times. This way, everyone will get enough hot water. Some family members can use the shower at night, and others can use the shower in the morning. That way, everyone wins, and everyone’s clean!

Clean Your Drains

Using your shower and bathtub several times a day, every day of the week can create a large buildup of soap scum, hair, and other debris. To avoid a drain backup, you should take time to clean your drain. We recommend steering clear of using chemical drain cleaners because they can be harmful to your oldpipes and to your health. Instead, try using a snake or plumber’s auger. If you can’t clear your drain by yourself, call in the help of a professional! Getting your drain cleaned professionally will ensure it stays clear for a long time.

Turn Down and Drain Your Water Heater

If you have small children, it’s best to check the temperature of your water heater and turn it down a few degrees. We recommend the maximum temperature to set your water heater to is 120 degrees. Beyond this temperature, the water may be too hot for small children and may potentially scald them when bathing.

In addition to checking the temperature of your water heater, you should also consider draining it. If you have an older water heater, there’s a good chance that it hasn’t been drained in a long time. In fact, your water heater may have been turned up to accommodate the large buildup of sediment in the bottom of your water heater’s tank. This sediment blocks the heating elements and keeps water from getting as warm as you’d expect.

To drain your water heater, drain the sediment from the bottom of your heater:

1. Turn your cold water supply off.
2. Turn off power to your water heater.
3. Open a hot water faucet in your home to prevent a vacuum from forming in the pipes.
4. Attach a hose to the spigot at the bottom of your tank and run the other end of the hose to a drain.
5. Open the spigot and run hot water out of the tank until it’s clear.

If you don’t feel comfortable taking on this task by yourself, make a maintenance appointment with your local plumber. They’ll complete the job for you and leave you to get back to your busy schedule.

Always Run the Bathroom Fan

Many people think that the bathroom vent fan is primarily for removing odors out of the room. However, your bathroom fan is what prevents moisture from building up on the walls and windows when the shower or tub is in use. The fan’s most important job is to exhaust warm, moist air. Running the fan can prevent mold and mildew from forming on your walls. High moisture in your bathroom can also break down wall paint and trim. For a safe and healthy bathroom, be sure to always turn your fan on.

Contact NH Ross

We know that you have a lot of important things to prepare before school starts. That’s why you can trust NH Ross to maintain your bathroom, while you worry about buying the notebooks, organizing the carpool, and shopping for lunches. We’ll be sure to drain your water heater, check your drains, and do a routine maintenance appointment to assess for any other plumbing problems.

With extended business hours, NH Ross is available when you need us. Contact us today to get your appointment set up!