Leak Science’s Guide Into Bathroom Leak Detection: How to Detect a Bathroom Leak Before It’s Too Late
Bathrooms, by their nature, are one of the most frequently used rooms in a household. Whether you’re flushing the toilet, brushing your teeth, or showering, you’re bound to heavily use the water and related units multiple times during the day. With this heavy usage comes a possibility of a malfunction, and especially a leak. Not only can leaks cause troublesome damage, but they can also lead to time-consuming and expensive repairs if they are not addressed right away. That’s why it’s important to know how to detect a bathroom leak.
In this simple guide, you’ll learn about some of the most common areas for leaks in the bathroom. It’s important to check these areas routinely to look for signs of damage or leaks. The sooner you spot a leak and get it repaired, the better. If you wait too long to address this issue, the leak could get worse and cause even more damage. If you spot a leak inside of your bathroom, call Leak Science right away!
How to Detect a Bathroom Leak
Some leaks are tricky to spot, even if you think you know what you are looking for. That’s why we’ve provided this list of important areas to check for signs of leaks. Some leaks may be a minor issues repairable in a matter of minutes, but others can drain your water supply and your pockets. Even if you can find these leaks on your own, we recommend hiring a professional leak detection company to help you locate and repair pesky leaks.Here are some common signs of bathroom leaks, as well as areas you should check around the bathroom.
Listen for Dripping Sounds
One of the most obvious signs of a leak is the presence of a dripping sound. Usually, these sounds originate from bathtubs, showerheads, or faucets. However, you may not be able to hear dripping sounds that are coming from beneath your sink, so be sure to check all of your bathroom appliances on a regular basis.Take Note of Any Strange Smells
You’ve just cleaned your whole bathroom, but that funky smell you tried to get rid of is still there. Typically, strange smells are caused by the growth of mold and mildew. As water stagnates around appliances, mold can begin to grow, causing foul smells that seem to linger. If you notice a persistent, foul odor in your bathroom, it could indicate pooling or stagnant water.Check for Mold and Mildew
Seeing mildew in your shower doesn’t necessarily have to be a cause for concern. In fact, it’s fairly normal for mold and mildew to grow in areas that are moist and humid. (To prevent the growth of mold in showers and tubs, be sure to dry the surfaces after use, clean the tub frequently, and have proper ventilation in your bathroom.) What you need to look out for is the accumulation of mold and mildew on the bathroom walls, which are not close to the shower or sink. Mold and mildew on that wall can be an indication of water leaking out of pipes that are behind the wall.Check Ceilings for Signs of Damage
If you have a bathroom on another floor, check the ceiling of the room right under the bathroom. As a matter of fact, check other rooms too because the water can easily go even further than just to the room right under. Stained ceilings are a surefire indication that you have a leak. If you notice any water spots or discoloration, it’s time to call the professionals at Leak Science.Check the Seals
When you’re searching for potential signs of leakage in the bathroom, always check the seals around your shower or tub. Broken seals can cause water to come in contact with your walls and floors, eventually leading to water damage.Check Your Flooring
Certain types of flooring materials, such as tile, are more suitable for bathroom environments because they are moisture-resistant. Other floors, like hardwood or laminate, are more prone to deteriorating, rotting, curling, or cracking if exposed to water. Keep a close eye on the condition of your floors. If leaks or pooling water issues are not addressed properly, you can severely damage your floors.Monitor the Drains
Drains are one of the most common areas for bathroom leaks. Whether it’s a shower drain or sink drain, water can leak slowly and it can be quite difficult to detect. To test if you have a leak caused by a faulty drain, fill your bathtub or a sink with water and wait an hour or two to see if the water level has decreased or stayed the same. If the water level has dropped, there’s obviously a leak—either in the bathtub/sink or a drain stopper.Check the Tiles
This one can be applied to the seal part of the detection process as well. Tiles can leak if the silicone or grout is damaged. If your tiles are becoming moldy, it might be time to fix the gaps in the silicone or grout. If not addressed in a timely manner, tiles can also become loose or fall off, leading to some expensive repairs.Inspect Your Toilet
The toilet is the most used of the amenities in the bathroom, which is why it’s crucial to inspect it regularly. If you notice unusual hissing or gurgling sounds or see that the water level is constantly fluctuating, you might have a leak. Another thing you can check is whether your toilet is moving. If it’s moving, the seal is probably broken. If not addressed soon, this could lead to major damage down the road.Check the Sink (Especially Underneath!)
Most sink leaks occur where the pipes are. If you notice water running down the pipe to the flooring, it’s time to call the professionals. If you ignore this issue, the flooring below the sink can deteriorate over time.Inspect Walls for Damage
Although we’ve mentioned damaged walls already, it’s worth bringing up again. Water stains, cracks, and chips from water damage are unsightly and expensive to fix. Walls typically won’t get damaged from the steamy showers, but rather from a leaky pipe behind the wall. If you notice your paint, wallpaper, or drywall is deteriorating at a rapid pace, you have a leak behind it. Address it immediately!Pay Attention to Your Water Bill
If you haven’t noticed any of these signs, you might be in the clear. However, there are other extra measures you can take when trying to detect a bathroom leak. Most important of all is your water bill. If you notice a sudden and significant increase in your water bill, you could be facing a much bigger issue. Call a leak detection company right away so they can locate and fix hidden leaks in your home!We hope these tips have helped you learn how to detect a bathroom leak. The most important thing to remember is to inspect your bathroom often and repair leaks immediately to save yourself time and money down the road.