Serving Round Lake & It never hurts to have a spare or replacement part handy when it can help make an easy fix. Bathtubs are aesthetically designed to look clean and minimalist, but there are several pieces and parts just below the surface that help the tub function. Having the right piece on hand at the right time can prevent a small issue from becoming a full-on bathroom flood. For homeowners looking for proactive protection, stock up on these bathtub parts at home just in case.
Washers and O-Rings
Fitting in between pieces of the tub and other fixtures, rubber washers and O-rings are essential parts to have on hand — not only for the bathtub but also for sinks. Having a variety of sizes will help, but be sure to stock up specifically in sizes for the bathtub spout and valve assembly (behind and within the handle).
Handles and Spouts
Speaking of handles, a spare set of handles and spouts is helpful to have in case a piece in the current set breaks. Relatively inexpensive, changing out these parts is also a quick way to update the bathtub look to better align with the rest of the bathroom.
Gaskets
Another small rubber ring similar to washers, the gasket sits inside the drain, behind the faceplate. As they get old, gaskets can begin to dry out and crack, causing leaks. Keeping a replacement on hand means an old gasket can quickly be swapped for a new one before a small leak gets worse.
Nuts, Bolts, and Screws
Good advice for any fixture around the home is always to keep backups of the smallest, most important connecting pieces. Often overlooked, having the right nut, screw, or bolt on-hand when another has broken, worn-out, or become stripped means re-attaching or fixing an issue right away, rather than waiting or making an emergency trip at an inopportune time.
Drains
Able to be purchased as kits, a backup drain is crucial. Should something conspire to back up the current drain — like too much hair or debris clogging up the drain — a working, secondary drain on hand means getting the tub back up and running. Many tubs can handle alternate types of drains as well, so if the current set-up isn’t the best, consider switching it out for a model that has a different drain type.
While it means finding new and creative ways to store the items, finding a cubby hole for a spare part is much easier to deal with than a leaky tub or a flooded bathroom. Still, if the thought of replacing a piece of the bathtub is too daunting, reach out to the plumbing professionals at Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Cooling. With over 30 years of experience, the trained technicians at Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Cooling will be able to guide homeowners through minor repairs or complete the task themselves using their knowledge and expertise. Don’t let a leak go unchecked — call the pros at Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Cooling today, at (815) 219-4323, or use their online scheduling portal to conveniently schedule right from your phone or desktop browser!
