A bathroom needs to be water-tight.
You go into a bathroom to get wet, everybody knows that. Water is piped in via the sink, shower and bath faucets as well as the toilet valve, and it is piped out through the drains. The job of bathroom maintenance is twofold: Keep the water flowing where it's supposed to go and prevent if from going where it isn't supposed to. If you do this job effectively, then you may be spared the results of improper maintenance -- walls, floors and cabinets that need to be deep-cleaned, repaired or replaced because of water damage and/or mildew.
Faucet Repair
Water leaking from faucets will quickly discolor sinks and corrode brass or stainless steel fittings in the sink, so it is a good idea to stop leaks early. Most faucets can be serviced by disconnecting the handle and removing a holding nut or pin. The process is very easy and more often than not, the problem is the result of a worn washer or O-ring. In cases in which a cartridge or valve mechanism needs to be replaced, it is a simple matter to replace the old one and install a new one.
Overflowing Drains and Leaking Toilets
Water spills from leaking drains or loose toilets can seep into the subfloor and cause warping. Moreover, tiles can come loose and hardwood floors can cup or separate. Don't hesitate to fix leaking drains by removing clogs and tightening connections. Repair a leaking or rocking toilet by removing it and checking the condition of the flange and the floor underneath. The flange should be flush with the floor, and the floor under the toilet should be level, free of warps and dry.
Proper Ventilation
If your bathroom is not ventilated, moisture will cause a host of problems, including mildew, peeling paint and wallpaper, corrosion on metal fixtures and warping wood. While opening a window to create a cross-draft is the surest solution, ventilation fan in the ceiling will also abate the problem. In basement bathrooms or other situations in which moisture is a continuing problem, you may want to consider tiling the walls and floor to make them waterproof.
Floor and Wall Considerations
Because of the possibility of water damage, hardwood floors are not advisable in a bathroom. If you want the hardwood look, consider laminate flooring or linoleum. Tile floors with a suitable water barrier underneath are also a good choice for flooring. Tile works well for walls too, but if you prefer the easier route of paint or wallpaper, be sure to use vinyl-coated paper or semi-gloss or gloss enamel.
Caulk Fixtures Well
Water can do a lot of damage if it seeps into gaps in the fixtures or between fixtures and walls. Waterproof the tub, vanity, toilet and shower by applying a high-quality silicone caulk to all seams and joints. Places that you should be sure to caulk include around the sink, along the splashboard of the vanity, between the tub or shower stall and the wall and around the bottom of the toilet.
