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The freezing toilet seat looks at you and dares you to sit down. You stand there, frozen in indecision (no pun intended). Do you risk contracting hypothermia from the icy surface? Or do you hold it until spring?
And those mighty swear words you utter when the shower runs out of hot water halfway through your shampooing session? Yeah, we’ve all been there.
Winters aren’t too cold in a city like Maitland, but that doesn’t mean you may not experience plumbing issues or won’t need hot water, right? With a little bit of winterizing, you can keep your bathroom comfortable. So, here are some tips to ensure a warmer bathroom:
Install Floor Heating
Stepping on the icy-cold tiles first thing in the morning is enough to send shivers down your spine. But you can say goodbye to frozen toes by installing floor heating. It can be as easy as placing a cozy rug on the floor or opting for a more permanent solution like in-floor radiant heating.
In-floor radiant heating is a system that heats your floors from underneath. It’s ideal for bathrooms because it doesn’t take up any space and can be easily installed under tile or stone floors.
Plumbing Inspection
As mentioned earlier, winters may not get extremely cold in most parts of Australia. However, it’s always best to get a thorough inspection of your bathrooms and see if there are any leaks or faucets that need repairing, including the heating system.
You’ll still need hot water even if the temperature doesn’t fall below 5 degrees Celcius, right? We don’t think DIY is a good idea here; some things are best left to the professionals.
Search online for the best plumber Maitland offers, such as The Plumbing Life Saver! Surely plumbers are life savers regardless of the weather because bathrooms never stop being a nuisance, do they?
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Check Your Water Heater
Your water heater works hard to keep your showers nice and hot, so give it a little TLC this winter. Start by ensuring the temperature is set no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything above that can scald you.
Next, check the pressure relief valve to ensure it’s working properly. This valve releases pressure if it builds up too high in the tank and prevents your water heater from exploding.
You might also want to hire a plumber so they can check for any holes, corrosion, or other problems.
Install a Heated Towel Warmer
What’s the point of a steamy shower if you don’t have a warm towel to wrap yourself up in afterward? So, keep your towel from turning into a popsicle by investing in a heated towel warmer.
It is an easy-to-install bathroom appliance that will make your life much more comfortable. And they’re not just for towels!
You can also use them to dry wet clothes or warm your robe on a cold winter morning. If you’re wondering how long you can keep the warmer on, most have an automatic shut-off feature, so you don’t have to worry about it.
Caulk Your Bathtub and Shower
One of the main causes of cold drafts in the bathroom is gaps and cracks around your tub and shower. So, caulk any gaps to keep the warm air in and the cold air out. You can find caulking at your local hardware store.
Just apply the caulk around the edges of your tub and shower, and smooth it out as you go. You can use your finger or a putty knife to do this. Make sure the caulk is dry before using your tub or shower. Usually, it only takes a few hours.
Allow Sunlight In
Make the most of the winter sunlight by keeping your bathroom curtains or blinds open during the day. The sun will help warm your bathroom and make it more inviting.
If you’re worried about privacy, you can always opt for frosted glass or window film. Place some candles around the room to give it a warm, cozy feeling. You can also place a small snake plant to cleanse the air.
Keep the Door Closed
This one might seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. Whenever you’re not using your bathroom, keep the door closed to keep the heat in. That way, you won’t have to blast the heat whenever you want to shower.
However, sometimes keeping the door closed isn’t enough. If you have a spacious bathroom or your bathroom is on an exterior wall, you might consider hanging a heavy curtain over the door to help insulate it.
Choose Warm Lights
Finally, change out your lightbulbs to create a cozy ambiance in your bathroom. Opt for warm white or soft white lightbulbs instead of cool white or daylight bulbs.
It will give your bathroom a softer, more inviting feel. If you’re specifically focused on the heat and can afford it, look into incandescent lighting, as they also give off heat!
Final Thoughts
Icy-butt syndrome is no joke, so take steps to winterize your bathroom and make it a cozy retreat when the cool season approaches. After all, Australians are so used to warmth that even a little temperature drop can get uncomfortable.
You can also use seat covers or a space heater to make your time in the bathroom more comfortable. Just be sure to unplug the space heater when you’re done you don’t want to start a fire! Following these simple tips can keep your bathroom warm and toasty all winter long.
