Warning Signs of Water Damage in the Bathroom

Mold spots on bathroom and walls above the shower head. Mold spotting. Walls with mold spots. Ceiling growing mold from possible water damage.

Your bathroom should be a sanctuary, clean and relaxing, where you can refresh yourself in comfort. If it’s not properly maintained, though, the result can be a damaging water leak. Leaks that go unnoticed can cause water damage that’s costly and time-consuming to repair. That’s why it’s important to know the warning signs, so you can take care of water damage promptly before it becomes a major issue. Here, we offer some signs you should watch for, to keep your bathroom clean and stable.

• A damp smell can mean trouble is lurking. Your bathroom should not smell musty, and if it smells bad even when it’s dry or freshly cleaned, there’s probably a moisture buildup and mold growing beneath the surface. Try to quickly find the reason for the musty smell, or you could end up with serious water damage.
• Sometimes, mold and mildew are obvious. When people routinely take hot showers, it’s not uncommon for mold or mildew to grow on the wall beside the shower. However, large amounts of mold or mildew can be a major problem. If mold is growing on the walls or ceiling, you’re probably already too late to prevent it from becoming a big issue. Once the source of moisture is determined and repaired, you’ll probably still have to call in a professional to clean up the damage. Don’t ever ignore mold, because it can cause structural damage to your house and be harmful to your health.
• Watch the walls. If your paint is peeling, the wallpaper is coming off, or there are cracks in your plaster, there could be a leak behind the wall. It could be a roof leak or a leaking pipe, but whatever the source, it can damage your drywall. The longer you leave it unrepaired, the more water your drywall will absorb.
• The floors and ceiling can show damage, too. If your bathroom floor always feels wet or soft, or there’s water damage showing on the ceiling beneath the bathroom, you’ve probably got a leaky pipe damaging your subfloor.

To prevent bathroom water damage, regularly inspect your bathroom for cracked tiles or missing grout, repairing those things immediately so that water can’t seep into your walls and floor. Run an exhaust fan after showers to keep moisture from accumulating. Keep your drains unclogged and clean, and keep an eye out for leaky pipes or a leaky toilet. Maintaining your plumbing system will go a long way toward preventing moisture in your bathroom. However, if you do end up with a problem, don’t hesitate to call in a professional to fix it.

If your bathroom has sustained water damage, contact the water damage experts at Pacific Flood Restoration. We offer full-service, 24-hour, on-call emergency services, and we’ve earned a reputation for being dependable, on time, courteous, and ethical. No matter the extent of your damage, our trained technicians have the experience, proven techniques, and state-of-the-art equipment to restore your home, fixing whatever damage it may have sustained. Call 760-815-3033, or contact us through our website.