Signs of a water leak in the bathroom may not go unnoticed, but they may not get proper attention, either. The bathroom's a damp place. Wet feet track moisture from the shower or bath and with running water in sinks and other fixtures, minor spills and splashes happen. A leaky water supply line or a dripping drain pipe might be mistaken as a routine event that doesn't require further investigation and repair. However, hidden leaks run 24/7 and can create severe damage unless they're diagnosed and dealt with sooner, rather than later.
Here are six signs of a water leak in the bathroom:
- Mold and mildew " These microorganisms require a continuous source of water to thrive. If you're seeing signs of mold growth or mildew infection, you've got a chronic moisture source somewhere.
- Peeling paint and wallpaper " When there's enough moisture in the air to separate paint or wallpaper from the surface, it's probably something more than shower steam. Suspect a hidden slow leak somewhere in bathroom plumbing.
- Floor damage " Usually not a result of common spills, buckling linoleum or loose floor tiles indicates water under the flooring, perhaps from a bathroom water supply line routed beneath the floor.
- Wall deterioration " Drywall warping, stains and bulges or blisters all point to water exposure. It may be a nearby bathroom leak or water vapor migrating from a leak elsewhere.
- Ceiling stains " Brown or rust-colored stains on ceilings of rooms beneath a second-story bathroom are a strong indicator of a bathroom plumbing leak. Normal bathroom spills and moisture won't penetrate to the ceiling below.
- Odors " Mold and mildew associated with water leaks typically produce a trademark musty odor that persists despite ventilation.
If you're seeing any of these signs of a water leak in the bathroom, contact Rytech for professional water damage advice.
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