Your bathroom requires a little more attention than just regular toilet scrubbing. If you've just moved into a new home with a neglected bathroom or you're just now learning that the faucet aerators need periodic cleaning, all is not lost. However, getting the room back into shape may require a little extra effort.

You may want to schedule a plumbing inspection to make sure the fixtures and drains haven't sustained any damage and then perform a few maintenance tasks that may be past due. Discover a few essential maintenance tasks to perform if your bathroom plumbing has been neglected recently.

1. Cleaning Drains

Some homeowners believe that the drains only need to be cleaned out when they stop draining. However, cleaning the drains periodically can have several benefits, such as reducing fat buildups that could lead to smells and avoiding clogs.

If your drains have been somewhat neglected, though, chances are they could be a bit slower. This is especially true if you don't have a hair catcher in your bathtub or shower drain. Don't make the mistake of using chemical cleaners to clear the drains out. Chemical drain cleaners are so potent that they can actually damage your plumbing.

For instance, these cleaners could damage the finish on your pipes and fixtures. Instead of choosing chemical cleaners, call a professional plumber for a drain cleaning appointment. Afterwards, remember to keep the drains clear by using mesh screens to catch hair and debris.

You can also help to flush gunk out of drains periodically with baking soda and vinegar, and schedule regular professional drain cleanings.

2. Washing Out Sink Aerators

The aerators on your bathroom sink and on your showerhead (if applicable) likely need to be cleaned out. Aerators can catch gunk that eventually builds up. And if you have hard water or water with solids in it, the aerators can start to fill up with lime scale or grit.

Fortunately, aerators are typically quite easy to clean and remove. Simply plug the drain (so you don't lose any components down it) and unscrew the aerator. Soak the aerator parts in a small dish of vinegar before scrubbing it with a toothbrush. Then, simply rinse and replace.

3. Adjusting Toilet Components

Your toilet seat can start to work loose over time, but it's typically an easy fix: simply re-tighten its fasteners if you notice a wobble. Next, check the seat over for cracks or stains. Replacing a toilet seat that hasn't been well-maintained can make your toilet look fresh and new and is a quick and easy job.

Another toilet component that may need adjusting is the chain attached to the flush valve. Make sure it's the right length so it doesn't get caught under the flapper during a flush yet still pulls up enough on the flapper that an effective flush occurs.

You'll also want to empty the tank and clean out any gunk that may have built up over time, such as lime scale that may build up on parts such as siphon jets. If the toilet flapper has lime scale on it or doesn't seal correctly, simply replace the flapper (or have your plumber do it).

These three tasks can help you get your bathroom plumbing back into well-kept territory and avoid the problems that might have started to build up after a few months or years of neglect. Fortunately, many of these maintenance tasks can be quite simple for a professional.

For any jobs that do require a professional plumber, be sure to choose a reputable, experienced contractor such as Complete Plumbing . We can help with repairs, drain inspections, and diagnostics that your plumbing system might require. Get in touch today to learn more about how we can help.