Maintain
your house now, so you can avoid big problems later on
Bathrooms
Problems: Interior water damage; mold; energy waste; electrical
shock.
Trouble signs: Leaks, dripping faucets and running toilets; water pooling
around faucet handles, inside vanities or around toilets; stains on ceilings
below bathrooms; standard electrical outlets near sinks and bathtubs.
What you can do: Find hidden leaks by wrapping toilet paper around pipes and
looking for wet spots. Tighten pipe connections and/or replace faulty pipes.
Detect toilet leaks by placing food coloring in the tank. If coloring is in an
unused bowl the next morning, the flapper needs replacing. Caulk around faucets,
vanities, tub sides and base. Run exhaust fans or open windows during and after
showering; Install Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI outlets) near sinks
and baths for anti-shock protection.
What it costs: It takes about 15 minutes to inspect, tighten connections
and apply caulk; if you're handy, you can replace a drain pipe for $10-$20. New
faucets start at about $30. GFCIs cost $7 each; you need to shut off the power
and open the plate to install it.
What you could save: A leaking faucet can waste 10,000 gallons of water a year.
Repairing water damage or mold behind walls or under floors can easily cost
$2,000 or more. GFCIs can prevent electrocution.
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