It looks innocent enough. In fact, it may even look enticing; an oasis where you can relax, rejuvenate, and allow the day’s stress to wash away. Yet it’s filled with hazards that can harm your home and  Bathroom remodeling wayland your family’s health. We’re talking about your bathroom.

Read on to learn more about the unexpected hazards lurking inside your bathroom and what you can do about them.

Mold. The conditions typically present in a bathroom – water and high humidity – provide the perfect environment for mold growth. If you’re lucky, you’ll notice mold spores right away so you can take swift action. But because it can also grow behind ceilings and walls, and under floors, proper prevention is key. Always run a ventilation fan or crack open a window while you shower or bathe and continue to do so for at least 10 minutes after you’re done.

Soap Scum. That slimy film left behind by soaps and shampoos isn’t just unsightly, it’s slippery – and that can cause slips and falls. Clean tubs, shower floors, and surrounding areas regularly to prevent build up and consider adding non-slip strips and installing grab bars to reduce the risk.

Air Freshener Sprays and Plug-Ins. Sometimes the bathroom smells less than pleasant. But many air fresheners contain harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and VOCs. Keep things fresh by opening a window or running the vent fan. Or make your own room spray by filling a clean spray bottle with ¾ cup water, a tablespoon of rubbing alcohol, and 15 drops of your favorite essential oil.

Heavy Duty Bathroom Cleaners. A bathroom can get nasty, so you want to use the toughest cleaner available. Once again, however, many retail products contain chemicals that emit dangerous fumes and can irritate the eyes and skin. Make your own grime-fighters using borax, vinegar, and baking soda. They work just as well and are non-toxic.

Hot Water. Sure, a steamy hot shower feels amazing, especially on a cold winter’s day. But a super-hot shower dries out your skin. What’s more, water that’s too hot presents a burn and scald danger, especially to the elderly and children who may have a slower reaction time. Check the temp on your water heater – 120 degrees is perfectly adequate for most households.

Lead. A once common material used for plumbing pipes, lead is now regulated by the EPA due to the health risks it poses, especially to children and pregnant women. Yet even if your home plumbing has copper pipes, they may have been soldered with lead. Have your water tested for lead as well as other contaminants. If high levels of lead are present in your drinking water here are a few things you can do:

  • Flush the faucet before drinking or cooking with tap water. The longer the water sits in a pipe, the higher the lead levels it may have.
  • When cooking, use cold water to fill the pasta pot instead of hot (after flushing it). In most instances, hot water contains more lead than cold.
  • Consider purchasing water to mix baby formula with or buy premade formula if possible.
  • The best way to remove as much lead from your water as possible is with a whole-house water filtration system that removes lead before it reaches the tap.

The water treatment specialists at PC Plumbing, Heating, AC & Remodeling will be happy to explain your options and help you determine the right water-cleaning solution for your family and budget. Contact us today for a free in-home consultation and new system proposal.