The First-Time Homeowner’s Tub Maintenance Checklist

Owning your first home comes with a lot of responsibilities, and one area you don’t want to overlook is your bathtub. Keeping your tub in excellent condition helps protect your plumbing, maintains resale value, and prevents annoying repairs later. Best of all, a few simple steps can go a long way toward long-term performance.

Here’s a practical maintenance checklist for keeping your bathtub clean, functional, and clog-free from day one.

Regular Cleaning for a Sparkling Tub

Routine cleaning keeps your tub looking fresh and prevents buildup that can damage surfaces over time.

• Wipe it down weekly – Use a soft sponge or cloth to remove soap scum, dirt, and oils from the tub walls and bottom.

• Use gentle cleaners – Avoid harsh abrasives or acidic products that could wear down the tub’s finish. Mild dish soap, baking soda paste, or tub-safe sprays are usually sufficient.

• Keep the fixtures dry – After use, quickly wipe faucets and stoppers to prevent mineral deposits and rust.

Preventive cleaning not only keeps your bathroom looking better, it extends the life of every component you rely on.

Install a Drain Hair Catcher from Day One

One of the most common causes of bathtub clogs is hair going down the drain. If you have an open drain or plunger-style stopper, this simple upgrade can make a huge difference.

The Watco SimpliQuick® Tub Fix “Hair Catcher” installs in minutes with no tools. It fits directly over your tub’s existing drain and traps hair before it enters the pipes. That means:

• No chemical drain cleaners needed

• Fewer calls to the plumber

• Easy cleaning with a quick lift and rinse

It’s one of the most straightforward, most effective steps a new homeowner can take to avoid clogs and plumbing issues.

Upgrade to a Modern Watco Bathtub Stopper

Old stoppers tend to leak, stick, or just look outdated. Upgrading to a new Watco Bathtub Stopper improves both the function and aesthetics of your tub.

• Simple push-pull design – No more twisting or jamming.

• No need to remove your drain – Most models install right over the existing drain body.

• Fresher look – A new Watco tub stopper instantly updates the appearance of your tub.

It’s an affordable DIY project that makes baths more enjoyable and prevents minor leaks from turning into water waste.

Extra Tips for Long-Term Tub Health

Here are a few more smart habits that will serve you well:

• Rinse the tub after each use to prevent residue from setting in.

• Check for slow drainage; this could signal early clogging.

• Inspect around the drain for signs of wear, leaks, or corrosion.

• Clean your hair catcher weekly for best results.

And if your current drain is showing its age, consider replacing worn parts with Watco ABS Tub Drain Parts. These durable components are designed for long-term performance and easy installation.

Start Good Bathtub Maintenance Habits Early

Caring for your bathtub doesn’t have to be complicated. With routine cleaning, a reliable hair catcher, and an upgraded stopper, first-time homeowners can enjoy a bathroom that functions smoothly and stays in great shape for years.

BuyEagle.com is your go-to source for easy, effective Watco bathtub upgrades. We carry durable, easy-to-install products designed to make maintenance stress-free. Visit us today to find the perfect hair catcher or tub stopper to protect your new home investment.

Your Handy Guide to Watco ABS Tub Drain Parts

When it comes to bathtub drain kits, ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a popular choice thanks to its combination of durability, affordability, and ease of installation. Watco offers a wide range of ABS tub drain parts, including overflow elbows, waste assemblies, and full or half kits, providing homeowners with a reliable, leak-resistant solution for everyday use. Whether you’re tackling a DIY update or planning a remodel, ABS parts offer a practical, no-hassle choice.

What Are Watco ABS Tub Drain Parts?

Watco’s ABS offerings include:

• ABS waste and overflow elbows, core components in their half and full bath waste kits.

• Half kits and full kits, such as the Innovator® 590 and 601 series, that package everything you need (stopper, overflow plate, test plug, elbows, etc.).

• These kits support various stopper styles, lift-and-turn, push-pull, and foot-actuated, across several finishes, including white ABS and classic metallic tones 

Watco ensures that these ABS parts meet industry standards, such as NSF/ANSI and CSA, while offering solid, leak-resistant performance that’s easy to install.

Benefits of Choosing Watco ABS Drain Parts

• Durable and corrosion-resistant: Watco’s ABS tub drain parts combine high-strength plastic with metal trim, offering leak-resistant durability and resistance to corrosion, making them ideal for both DIYers and homeowners.

• Professional-grade performance: Watco designs products like the Innovator 590 series to meet ANSI/ASME codes using seamless ABS components that eliminate screws and loose parts 

• Easy installation: ABS waste and overflow elbows utilize solvent-weld or slip-fit connections, eliminating the need for threading or advanced plumbing skills.

Essential ABS Tub Drain Components to Know

Watco’s tub drain parts ABS include:

• ABS waste and overflow elbows, sold separately or included in kits

• Half kits (like the 590 and 901 series) that come with drain and overflow elbows, stopper, overflow plate, and test plug

• Full kits for complete replacements

• Available stopper styles include lift-turn, push-pull, and foot-actuated, with finishes ranging from classic white ABS to brushed nickel and chrome.

These components give homeowners flexibility to mix and match styles without replacing hidden plumbing.

How to Upgrade Your Drain with Watco ABS Parts

Here’s an easy step-by-step plan:

1. Remove your existing drain and overflow

2. Install the ABS waste and overflow elbows using PVC/ABS cement or slip fittings

3. Insert a stopper and overflow plate, and choose your Watco tub stopper style

4. Optionally, add a Watco SimpliQuick® Tub Fix “Hair Catcher” to trap hair before it hits your plumbing

This setup is fast, tidy, and avoids major renovations, making it perfect for DIY-friendly upgrades.

When a Hair Catcher Is the Better Option

If you don’t regularly fill your tub, especially in rentals or stand-up shower setups, a hair catcher is a smart, non-permanent solution. It installs easily, captures hair before it clogs pipes, and is simple to clean and remove, with no need to replace the stopper or disrupt plumbing.

Choosing Watco ABS tub drain parts means investing in safe, long-lasting bathroom upgrades that fit your style and schedule. With high-performance components and easy installation, ABS kits are ideal for both DIY enthusiasts and homeowners seeking reliable, leak-resistant plumbing upgrades.

Pair your ABS kit with a Watco bathtub stopper or the handy Watco SimpliQuick® Tub Fix “Hair Catcher” to complete the setup and keep your bathtub hassle-free.

BuyEagle.com is your source for Watco ABS drain parts and bathtub solutions. Watco offers durable, easy-to-install products that help keep your bathroom fresh and functional. Shop our selection today and upgrade your tub with high-quality Watco tub drain parts in ABS and other various finish options.