Welcome to Week 7 of the Weekly Home Check

This week, let’s keep our water flowing smoothly! It’s time to clean the aerators on your faucets and shower heads then clean out those stinky p-traps. These tasks are especially important for those home owners with hard water.

🚰 Faucet Aerators:

Faucet aerators are the small screens at the tip of your faucet. They mix air with water to reduce splashing and improve flow. Because they catch debris, they also become one of the first places where buildup shows up. Here's how to clean them:

1. Remove the Aerator: Unscrew the aerator from the end of the faucet spout. Depending on the spout, you will either need to use some pliers or an aerator key.
2. Soak in Vinegar: Place the aerator, head and washer in a bowl of vinegar and let it soak for at least an hour. Vinegar helps dissolve mineral deposits and buildup.
3. Scrub and Rinse: After soaking, use an old toothbrush or scrub brush to clean any remaining debris from the aerator. Rinse it thoroughly with water.
4. Reattach the Aerator: Screw the aerator back onto the faucet spout. Make sure it's securely tightened to prevent leaks.

🚿 Shower Heads:

The shower head not only can become clogged with sediment, it can also develop hard water buildup and bacterial growth over time. Here's how to clean it.

1. Remove the Shower Head: Unscrew the shower head from the shower arm. If it's difficult to remove, use a wrench, but be careful not to damage the fixture.
2. Soak in Vinegar: Submerge the shower head in a bowl of vinegar or fill a plastic bag with vinegar and tie it around the shower head so that the holes are immersed in the liquid. Let it soak for a few hours or overnight.
3. Scrub and Rinse: After soaking, use a brush or toothpick to dislodge any remaining mineral deposits or buildup from the shower head. Rinse it thoroughly with water.
4. Reattach the Shower Head: Screw the shower head back onto the shower arm. Ensure it's tightened securely to prevent leaks.

🚰 Cleaning the P-Trap:

The P-trap is the curved pipe under your sink that holds a small amount of water. That water blocks sewer gases from entering your home, but the trap also collects debris. Here's how to clean it to prevents odors, clogs, and water damage.

1. Turn Off Water Supply: Before cleaning the P-trap, turn off the water supply to the sink. Place a towel or bucket underneath the trap to catch any water that may spill out.
2. Remove the P-Trap: Use a wrench to unscrew the nuts holding the P-trap in place. Carefully remove the trap from the drain pipes.
3. Inspect and Clean: Use a brush, pipe cleaner, or old toothbrush to scrub the inside of the trap.
4. Reassemble the P-Trap: Once cleaned, reattach the P-trap to the drain pipes. Tighten the nuts securely to avoid leaks.
5. Check for Leaks: Turn the water supply back on and check for any leaks around the P-trap. If there are any, ensure the connections are tightened or replace any worn washers.

Check out this YouTube Video to see me clean the P-trap in my kitchen:

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Hope you all have a wonderful week with your faucets and shower heads flowing freely!

-Kyshawn

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