Living in a mobile home is great, but you’re likely to encounter the occasional problem with your plumbing. There are many common problems to look out for with mobile home bathrooms that may make things more difficult. At best, your quality of life might decrease slightly, but at worst, these problems can cause significant lasting damage when left unchecked. Mobile Home Outfitters is here to go over some of these issues, help you identify them, and offer some potential solutions.
Low Water Pressure
You may find yourself in the shower one day and notice that the water pressure isn’t as strong as it used to be, and it feels more like a dribble than a proper spray. Low water pressure is a common occurrence in many mobile homes and has several potential causes. Mobile homes frequently have head pressure problems that you may be able to fix by unclogging your pipes or adjusting your pressure valve. However, if the problem persists, you may need to hire a plumber.
Clogged Toilets
If your toilet doesn’t flush or flushes slower than usual, you may be dealing with a clog. Sometimes, you can fix these clogs with a firm plunge or by using a drain cleaner. With many cleaners, it’s a good idea to let the solution rest in the toilet overnight before flushing to check if the obstruction has cleared up at all. If your toilet overflows, you may want to call in a professional.
Suppose a designated drain cleaner isn’t an option. Homeowners may consider making their own by mixing a cup of baking soda with two cups of vinegar and pouring a half gallon of hot water into the toilet. A small amount of dish soap may also help due to its natural degreasing capabilities.
Improper Sealing
One of the most common problems to look out for with mobile home bathrooms is the sealing around the edges of your mobile home bathtub or shower stall. Maintaining a proper seal reduces the risk of water getting into your walls. Humidity in your foundation can result in mold or mildew that causes damage and unpleasant odors. You want to regularly caulk around the edges of your tub or shower stall, your surround, and your faucets and drains to keep moisture out of where it’s not supposed to be.
If your mobile home already has mold problems in the walls, you may need to remove your tub or shower stall temporarily. Then, you can use bleach or a designated mold cleaner to take care of it, depending on the severity of the damage.
Slow Drains
As you use the sink in your bathroom, you may notice the water draining more slowly than it used to. Stopped-up drains are common in mobile home bathrooms, and the most common causes are mineral or hair buildups through factors like shaving your face or residue from your toothpaste. If your bathroom sink has a pop-up, you may simply need to remove that and clear it of any debris.
If the problem is more complex than that, you may want to consider snaking your drain. Homeowners can buy a simple hand snake at their local hardware store that should handle most common clogs. The snake moves through your pipe and breaks up the clog, eventually pulling the obstructions out when you crank it back to you.
Burst Pipes
Burst pipes are a concern that any homeowner may have to deal with, but this problem is prevalent in mobile homes. Many manufacturers use PVC or other lower-cost materials to construct bathroom plumbing systems. Another common concern is since the plumbing isn’t in concrete, burst pipes may quickly affect your home or property. The one advantage of this is that you may be able to catch these problems earlier and check for any leaks or burst joints that need sealing or replacing.
Burst pipes are one of the most expensive repairs and may do plenty of damage if left unchecked. Therefore, you should perform a routine inspection of your plumbing system and check for any potential drips or leaks. Remaining vigilant could help you save a lot of money on costly repairs or replacement parts.
Leaky Faucets
If you notice a regular dripping from your bathroom faucet, you may have a pretty common problem. Some leaks are simple to fix and require the tightening of your faucet or the pipes beneath your sink.
In mobile homes, your bathroom faucet often attaches to the main supply line with a small plastic connector. Through repeated uses, these connectors loosen up, which can cause small leaks or drips through your faucet. Tightening or replacing this connector may solve the leak.
You may also experience leaks in your shower head that can cause extensive damage to your wall or floor if left unchecked. Unfortunately, shower leaks are typically harder to notice and may require hiring a plumber to take care of the more severe cases.
Hot Water Concerns
Compared to other housing options, mobile homes frequently have smaller, more compact water heater systems. Depending on your home layout, these heaters can be difficult to access if you need to remove them for repairs or inspections. Fortunately, a problem with your hot water system is easy to identify, and you’re likely to notice it the next time you go to take a hot shower. The smaller units found in mobile homes may malfunction and require repairs. When performing an annual inspection of your home, we recommend checking for any problems with your water heater to avoid having to deal with cold water.
Bathrooms are a common source of household repairs and mishaps because of the risk of water getting into your home’s foundation and causing more significant damage. Fortunately, understanding the common problems and knowing where they come from can help you prepare for when these issues arise.
If you’d like to learn more about repairs and renovations on your mobile home, Mobile Home Outfitters is here for you. We have a wide range of products and parts to help you get through any project. We also have helpful, professional blogs to give you tips or ideas on your future renovations and an in-depth skirting calculator to prepare you for your exterior needs. For any additional questions, comments, or concerns, contact us anytime, and a Mobile Home Outfitters specialist will be ready to help you.
