Signs of a Water Leak in Your Bathroom
Left unchecked, a water leak can cause major damage that will leave you with not only the hassle of cleanup, but also the cost of repairs. By knowing the signs of a leak, you can catch problems before they get out of hand.
Odors and Damage
One of the clearest signs of a water leak in your bathroom is mold. Although occasional mildew in the shower is nothing to worry about, persistent mold growth on your walls and ceilings despite cleaning suggests a moisture problem. A musty or earthy odor that lingers even after cleaning is another sign of excess moisture. Leaks hidden behind your walls can cause mold growth there that isn’t visible from the outside, but still causes an odor.
You may also notice blistering paint, blistering or stained wallpaper, warped or crumbling drywall, or water stains on the ceiling. Buckling, cracking, and staining of the floor are sure signs of a leak in a pipe beneath it.
Pinpointing the Leaks
Turn off all faucets and water-using appliances so no water is being used in your home. Check your basement or crawl space for pools of water or the sound of dripping or running water. If you note signs of a water leak, try to track where the pipe goes. If you don’t, go back up to your home’s main level and check around the pipes, faucets, and water-using appliances for leaks. At your water heater, listen for water flowing through any connected hoses. A water heater leak requires professional care.
To check for internal toilet leaks, drop five or six drops of food coloring into the toilet tank and don’t flush for at least an hour. If color seeps into the bowl, you have a leak. The cause may be a damaged flush valve, flapper, float or refill valve.
At Sobieski Services, Inc., our goal is to help our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey learn more about energy and home comfort issues – especially HVAC and plumbing issues – so that they can save money and live in healthier, more comfortable homes.
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