Are you currently on a staycation or going on a staycation? If so, this is a great time to get your household projects finished. You can do many things to make your home’s plumbing more functional. Below are just a few projects that can make your bathroom a more functional space overall. These projects can be done on a small budget and require minimal time to complete.

1. Improve Plumbing Drainage

A slow-moving drain can make cleaning your sink or bathtub a challenge and may even make using your bathroom more difficult. You can do several things to improve drainage in your plumbing fixtures, starting with a vinegar flush. Pour equal amounts of baking soda and vinegar (start with 1/2 cup each) down the drain, and leave it sitting in the drain overnight. Finally, flush the drain with hot water.

If the drain still runs slow, use a plumber’s auger to clear the drain and improve drainage. Plumber’s augers can be used to clear clogs that are in close proximity to the drain opening but cannot reach clogs deep under the house. Plumber’s augers are like drain snakes, but they’re pushed by hand rather than by electrical power. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to clear the drain.

If the drain still runs slow, it’s time to seek professional assistance from plumbers in Reno. Plumbers have drain snakes that can extend deep down into the pipes, reaching clogs that go into the main drain line from the house. If you have a clog that is deep under the house or in a tough-to-reach spot, a plumber can help.

2. Locate and Test Water Shutoff Valves

This project doesn’t fix anything exactly, but doing this can be helpful in the event that you ever have a plumbing emergency. Locate all water shutoff valves in the house, and test them by opening and closing them. If you’re unable to close or open one of your shutoff valves, get help from a plumber. A plumber can help you either by loosening valves or by replacing the valves if needed.

Not sure where the valves are? Most sink valves are underneath the sink, on the wall. Toilet valves tend to be on the wall behind or near the toilet. Shower and bathtub valves are sometimes located in a panel on the other side of the wall behind the bathtub or shower, or sometimes located inside the wall (accessible from the crawl space or basement).

Finally, the main shutoff valve for your home is either located outside the house or inside the house in the basement. It is important to identify the main shutoff valve in the event that you have a plumbing emergency.

3. Put Water Aerators on Older Faucets

Water aerators can be found on nearly all modern faucets, but some older faucets do not have aerators. Aerators add air to the water coming out of the faucet, slowing its descent from the faucet while spreading the water out. Using aerators saves money and water.

Aerators can easily screw onto the end of any threaded faucet. On older faucets that have aerators, clogs can affect their functionality. Unscrew old aerators and clean them with a toothpick, or replace them if the clogs won’t come out.

4. Replace Your Old Shower Head

Old shower heads can be unattractive, and clogs and calcium buildup in the holes of the shower head can lead to challenges with use. You can improve your shower head’s functionality and improve your showering experience when you replace your old shower head. Replacing your shower head is easy unless you need to make a complex installation, like adding a second shower head.

To install a new shower head, simply unscrew the old shower head, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the new one. Do not screw the shower head on too tight, as this can cause the washers to be pushed down into the shower head. To install a second shower head, contact a reputable plumber.

5. Mini Remodel

A fresh coat of paint can make your bathroom look brand new, especially if you pair this project with the installation of a new sink faucet. Modern bathrooms are often painted colors that are crisp, cool, and clean. White, gray, and blue-gray are typical colors for bathrooms. Paint sample sections of your bathroom walls before choosing the right color for your bathroom.

After painting the walls, contact a contractor to install a new faucet in your bathroom. Faucet installation requires use of a special tool called a basin wrench and can be difficult if your plumbing is galvanized, as these pipes can be very old and brittle. Working with a plumber can help make the installation easier overall.

If you’re currently at home on a staycation and are hoping to get some bigger projects out of the way, like plumbing repair or hydro jetting your sewer, contact Easy Rooter Plumbing for an appointment.