 Humidity and moisture buildup are surely symptoms of a Kiwi summer, right? Sorry to ruin your day, folks, but it turns out that wintertime in Wellington is actually the worst season for humidity-related issues in our homes, especially our bathrooms. In this article, we will deliver some home truths about winter's watery war on your bathroom and what you can do to avoid its damaging wiles. 'Tis the season to be mouldy
Hello, mould and mildew! Warm, wet surfaces are the perfect breeding ground for these unwanted fungal health hazards. Here are a few habits you'll need to kick to keep it clean in your home this winter: Less Is More with the Laundry Ever notice that hot, humid wave of air that hangs about after you run a load through the clothes dryer? How about the thick layer of condensation soaking your windows (and sometimes walls)? Without proper ventilation, all this 'hot air' mixed with water is going to do more than dry a load of washing: it'll do a load of damage! To avoid: Crack a window, open a door—or both! If it's just too cold to do so, invest in a dehumidifier and park it close to your dryer while it's running. If possible, try and leave your washroom door open during a cycle. Additionally, consider using a dryer venting kit to direct moist air outside, reducing indoor humidity. It's a Shower, Not a Sauna Shivering in the shower is probably the least fun a human can have during the winter, right? Well, worse than a cold shower would be an unhealthy buildup of mould and mildew in your bathroom. Running a hot shower magically transforms your bathroom into a steamy sauna during the winter as the hot water meets the cold, dry air. If you forget to leave the fan on, you'll be soaking your bathroom in hot, mold-inspiring steam every time you wash up. To avoid: Always use the fan during and after a shower. No buts! Leave the fan on for however long it takes to suck away all that steam. If you can handle it, try leaving your window open, too, as this is the fastest and most efficient way to eliminate steam buildup in your bathroom while circulating clean, fresh air throughout. Additionally, make sure your exhaust fan is adequately vented to the outside, not just into the attic, to effectively remove moist air. Don't Forget About Your Pipes Winter can be tough on your plumbing system, especially if your pipes aren't properly insulated. Frozen pipes can lead to bursts and leaks, causing significant damage to your home. To avoid:
Check for Leaks Even small leaks in the plumbing system can lead to big problems when the temperatures drop. Inspect your home for any leaks. To avoid: Regularly check under sinks, around toilets, and near water heaters for any signs of moisture or leaks. If you find a leak, have it repaired promptly to prevent further damage. Keep Gutters Clear Blocked gutters can cause water to overflow and seep into your home, leading to moisture problems. To avoid:
By taking these preventative measures, you can help protect your home from the damaging effects of winter humidity and moisture buildup. Stay warm, stay dry, and enjoy a mould-free winter! Got any issues with your plumbing, talk to us at Maxey Plumbing, we are here to help. For a free quote or more information please see our contact information below Email - [email protected] Phone - 04 390 0135 Comments are closed.
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