How to Prevent Bathroom Water Damage?

The bathroom is the one area in your home that’s frequently exposed to water, thus making it susceptible to water damage. There’s a good chance that water can seep through walls and subfloors over time, causing structural damage and unwanted mold/mildew growth. A water-damaged bathroom can be very expensive to repair which is why you want to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Whether you’re looking to remodel your home or put it up for sale, it should be in your best interest to keep the bathroom in excellent condition. Here are 10 tried-and-tested tips that the professionals use to ensure a bathroom is free from water damage.

1. Keep an eye out for leaks

The first thing you should do is inspect your bathroom for signs of water leakage. Musty odours, discolouration of shower walls, and bubbling plasterboard are all indications of a leak. Locating the source of the leak can be quite tricky so make sure to inspect every inch of your bathroom.

Usually, it’s a leaky tap, shower handle, or sink trap that’s causing the issue so make sure to look into these areas first. If you can’t find where the leak is coming from, we suggest contacting a professional to get to the bottom of the issue.

2. Replace cracked or hollow tiles

You’ll know you have water damage in your bathroom when you give the tiles a light tap and they emit a hollow sound. This means moisture has seeped underneath the tiles and the adhesives have started loosening. Cracked tiles and tile grout warrant immediate concern as they can lead to mould/mildew problems and potentially damage the subfloor altogether.

3. Check the valves

Most professionals inspect the valves of the shower, sink, and toilet to see if they’re in good working order as wetness or staining around these areas may indicate water damage. Broken valves should be replaced right away to prevent moisture from forming inside your bathroom.

4. Invest in newer fixtures

According to research, almost 40% of your annual water consumption comes from your toilet. In addition to that, older showerhead models consume nearly twice the amount of water compared to today’s showerheads. If you’ve been using your bathroom fixtures for more than 20 years, then you may want to invest in newer models that are more water-efficient. Not only will this keep water usage in check, but will also prevent water damage due to excess moisture.

5. Unclog the drain

If you have a slow-draining sink, it could be due to a clog. A slow-draining sink causes water to pool up which is something you want to avoid in your bathroom. Pick up some drain cleaner and follow the instructions on how to use it. Better yet, contact your local plumber and inspect the trap for clogs. This simple tip will go a long way towards preventing water damage in your bathroom.

6. Turn on the exhaust fan

Bathrooms have an exhaust fan for a reason and it’s to draw out odour, moisture, and pollutants from the area. Make it a habit to switch the exhaust fan on whenever you’re using the bathroom to avoid running into mould/mildew problems. If you live in an area where the humidity levels are high, then investing in a dehumidifier will help limit water damage in your bathroom.

7. Use bath maths

It’s a good idea to use bath maths on your bathroom floor as they’ll soak up excess water when you step out of the shower. Don’t leave excess water to build upon the floor as this can contribute to water damage slowly over time.

8. Drain the water

Whenever you use the tub or the shower, always make sure to drain the water after you’re finished as any standing water can contribute to water damage. Torn shower curtains or damaged shower door seals should also be fixed to prevent water from splashing outside the shower.

9. Clean your drain covers

Drain covers have an important function in your bathroom and that is to keep large particles from blocking your drain. Make sure to clean your drain covers regularly to prevent internal flooding in your bathroom.

10. Shut the water supply when going on vacation

If you plan on spending the holidays, you may want to shut off the mains water in the house. The last thing you want is to come back from a long vacation and find out that your bathroom is full of mould/mildew due to a leaking shower handle. Also, shutting off the water supply limits the chances of burst piper or other similar emergencies which can be catastrophic when you’re away from home.

Water damage is a serious issue and it should be in your best interest to prevent it from happening. By following these tips, you can ensure that your bathroom will be in excellent condition for years to come. If you are experiencing water damage and would like professional assistance on the matter, contact Shower Repairs Perth today.