5 Bathroom Water Damage Signs You Need to Know About

The bathroom is one of the most important areas inside a home. It?s a place that provides us momentary solitude while we perform our personal hygiene. The thing is, most people don?t pay attention to the condition of their bathroom and just neglect regular maintenance altogether. If you want your bathroom to remain as hygienic as possible, you should address any issues right away. Here are 5 common bathroom problems that you should be aware of.

1. Musty smell

A musty smell is a sign that there?s a problem with your bathroom. The damp odour is mainly caused by mould or mildew growth, meaning your bathroom is poorly ventilated or it has leaking issues. You want to identify the source of the leak and make sure there?s enough ventilation in the bathroom to prevent this problem. Ideally, the bathroom should have an exhaust fan to draw out moisture whenever it?s in use. You can also use a dehumidifier to control excess moisture and inhibit mould growth.

If that doesn?t help, then you?re most likely dealing with a more serious issue. Sometimes moisture builds up below the bathroom floor?s surface which in this case, requires the attention of professional repair service. Cracked grout and broken tiles are dead giveaways that contribute to mould/mildew growth as well.

2. Water-damaged walls

Water damaged walls are quite common than you think, especially in older homes. Unlike modern properties where waterproof materials are used to support the surrounding tile, older homes use drywall and grout which are prone to water damage. When combined with bad caulking, the bathroom walls can quickly turn into a breeding ground for mould and mildew growth.

While drywall is pretty sturdy on its own, it does lose its structural integrity when exposed frequently to water, thus becoming weak and soft. Again, moisture is one of the main culprits of water-damaged walls which is why you want to reduce moisture levels inside your bathroom down to a minimum.

3. Sputtering showerhead

A showerhead that feels like a light rain episode can feel frustrating instead of relaxing. This is usually caused by limescale buildup which clogs up the spray holes. Hard water contributes to limescale buildup due to its high calcium and magnesium content. Once hard water evaporates, it leaves behind traces of calcium carbonate deposits that look like an off-white, chalky crust.

Removing the limescale deposits is as simple as soaking the showerhead in white vinegar. Soak it for at least 10 minutes and the vinegar will dissolve the limescale deposits. From there, you can use an old toothbrush to scrub the showerhead and unclog the spray holes. Rinse the showerhead afterwards and your shower will pour a nice, steady stream again.

4. Cracked grout

Cracked grout usually occurs when there is significant ground movement or deflection. It can also be caused by using a poor grout mix or a lack of expansion joints. Cracked grout weakens the overall structure of your bathroom?s tilework, leading to broken/damaged tiles. This opens up the possibility of having mould/mildew problems since they can grow underneath the bathroom floor. If you notice cracking or peeling in your bathroom grout, consider regrouting them immediately.

Depending on how much grout is damaged, you will either have to regrout sections of the tilework or regrout them altogether. Regrouting is a relatively tedious process and you?ll need a few specialised tools in order to get the job done. Although you can do the job yourself, we recommend contacting a professional to do the regrouting for you to achieve a consistent finish.

5. Low water pressure

You know there?s a problem with your bathroom?s plumbing when you encounter low water pressure. A pressure regulator is a valve that manages water pressure inside the bathroom?s pipes to prevent them from getting damaged. If you notice that almost all of the fixtures suffer from low water pressure, then the pressure regulator may be broken or malfunctioning. In this case, a pressure valve replacement should be carried out.

Low water pressure can also be caused by hidden pipe leaks. This can be difficult to diagnose which is why we recommend contacting a professional to find out where the pressure loss is coming from. If the low water pressure is singled out to only one fixture, then it?s likely the aerator is clogged up with limescale deposits.

Whether these issues are present in your home or rental property, one thing is for certain; you should take action as soon as possible. Bathroom problems can start off small and pose a big headache when ignored. Not only does it make your bathroom unhygienic, but it also contributes to higher water bills. Hopefully, with this information, you?ll be able to address these common bathroom problems and avoid costly repairs altogether.