5 Telltale Signs of Water Damage in Your Bathroom

You can’t have a bathroom without water. However, when that water ends up in places other than the sink, toilet, and shower, it can become a problem. Pipes can leak and seals can break, causing some potentially serious issues like extensive damage to your home and hazards to your health. This isn’t meant to scare you, but rather make you aware of the signs of water damage in your bathroom. If you can catch these signs early enough, then you can find the source and prevent further problems from occurring. Be on the lookout for:

1.    A Musty Smell

Sure, a bathroom can experience a range of funky smells—it is a bathroom, after all. But if you start noticing a strong musty smell, even after deep-cleaning the whole space, this is probably a strong indicator of water damage. Don’t just light a candle and mask the smell; try to investigate the smell further, checking inside cabinets and behind faucets.

2.    Mold or Mildew

Moisture, especially in a dark place, can lead to mold or mildew growth. While a tiny amount in the corner of the shower isn’t anything to worry about and can usually be resolved with some cleaning products, mold or mildew on non-shower walls or corners of the bathroom are a sign that water is leaking somewhere and finding its way to those areas.

3.    Damaged Walls

Hidden behind the walls of your bathroom are pipes. If one of these were to leak or burst, it could wind up damaging the walls enough to cause noticeable external damage. In this case, you could notice bubbling drywall and paint or visible water stains. A square will most likely have to be cut into the wall in order to access the leaking pipe and make the necessary repairs.

4.    Altered Floors

If leaking water makes its way towards the floor of your bathroom, it could end up damaged. For wood or faux wood floors, the boards may buckle, crack, or stain. If your bathroom is tiled, the tiles may start to separate from the grout. And if this happens in a second-story bathroom, you may also experience…

5.    Stained Ceilings

If water damage seeps through the floors enough, it can affect the ceiling of the first story in the form of a brown or copper-colored stain. This will most likely happen directly underneath an upstairs bathroom, but it is possible for the water to travel and pool a bit further away. No matter what, stains anywhere on the ceilings should raise a red flag.

Each bathroom and its issues are unique, so it’s best to get a professional opinion to determine the cause of the issue and find solutions. Some plumbing problems might warrant a simple repair, and other situations may reveal the need for an updated wet area. If it’s the latter, you can turn to MaxHome for an ideal upgrade. We expertly perform a range of bathtub and shower remodeling services using top-tier products and systems. Most of all, you can feel confident that we’ll seamlessly install your new bath or shower and properly set everything so you won’t have to worry about future leaks.

Contact MaxHome when you find yourself in need of a stunning new bathtub or shower.