Signs of Water Damage in Bathroom
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There’s nothing worse than feeling like your home is waging war on you, is there? That unsettling moment when you realize one of the most important rooms in your home is turning against you usually results in waves of panic.
Water damage is one of the most common issues homeowners face, especially in bathrooms. Along with the kitchen, the room uses a lot of water, and minor issues can become massive problems over time.
The good news is you can prevent bathroom water damage. Better still, if it does happen, following some simple steps will halt further issues and save you from some very expensive repairs.
Let’s get straight to it.
What is Water Damage?
Water damage is the destruction or damage caused to a property by water intrusion. Unfortunately, it’s a common problem in New York – especially in the city. Statistics from the First Street Foundation state that NYC is the fifth most likely city in the US to suffer a flood.
However, while storms significantly contribute to water damage, most bathroom problems usually happen because of the house itself.
There are numerous causes of bathroom water damage, including:
- Issues with the plumbing system (for example, a leaking pipe)
- Faulty appliances (shower and toilet issues)
- Leaving the taps running
- Damaged walls and roofing
Signs of Water Damage in a Bathroom
It is essential to be aware of the signs of water damage in a bathroom to prevent it from becoming a more significant problem. Knowing the common things to look out for ensures you can identify water damage, even when it might not be noticeable.
Musty Smell
If you notice a musty smell in your bathroom, it could be a sign of water damage. The odor can be pretty faint or distinctly overpowering, and it’s mainly caused by mold and mildew, which thrives in damp environments.
Visible Mold
You might not notice mold growing initially, but excessive moisture is a breeding ground for it. If there’s a persistent damp smell and signs of mold, you’ll need to deal with it immediately.
Stains on Walls and Ceilings
Stains on bathroom walls and ceilings are an indication of water damage. These stains can be caused by water seeping through tiles, fixtures, or grout cracks.
Peeling Paint or Wallpaper
Peeling or blistering paint or wallpaper can be caused by moisture from water damage. If you notice these signs, it is essential to investigate the cause of the moisture.
Damaged Bathroom floor
Damaged flooring is another sign of water damage in a bathroom. When water seeps through the tiles, it will cause them to loosen, and there will also be signs of discoloration.
Watermarks or Stains on Fixtures
Watermarks or stains on fixtures such as sinks, toilets, or bathtubs are signs of water damage. This is caused by water splashing onto the fixtures and not drying properly.
It’s a common issue but also an avoidable one. Wiping down surfaces and drying them as soon as you use the bathroom will prevent anything from happening to your fixtures.
Damp or Softened Drywall
Damp or softened drywall indicates that excessive water has entered the walls. A problem like this can quickly turn into structural damage.
Water Stains on Baseboards
You might also notice water stains on the baseboards, which happen when water seeps through the walls and causes damage to the baseboards.
Visible Leaks
Visible leaks are a clear sign of water damage. These leaks can be from pipes or fixtures and cause severe damage if not addressed promptly.
Remember, even if you think it’s a tiny leak, hidden water damage could be causing problems behind the scenes.
Can You Fix Water Damage Yourself?
Fixing water damage yourself depends on the extent of the damage. If the damage is minimal, such as a small leak or a loose tile, you can fix it— as long as you know what you’re doing.
However, it is best to call a professional company if the damage is more significant, such as a large leak or mold growth.
Fixing water damage yourself can be risky, especially if you don’t have the necessary experience or knowledge. Attempting to fix significant water damage on your own can cause further damage to the property or pose a health risk to you and your family.
For example, where there’s persistent moisture, there’s mold growth. A musty odor is one thing, but mold is known cause numerous symptoms.
They Include:
Respiratory problems.
Worsening of pre-existing conditions such as asthma and allergies.
Rashes on the skin.
When to Call a Professional Company
Even a small water leak can cause considerable problems in a bathroom, and many people fail to notice hidden leaks. If the damage occurs in an upstairs bathroom, it could be a huge hazard for the rest of your property.
A professional water damage restoration company has the equipment and knowledge to handle any water damage situation.
We can detect the source of the damage, remove any standing water, dry the affected area, and restore the property to its original condition.
Whether it’s a minor issue or serious water damage, we’ll also repair the property and ensure you can get back to daily life.
Prevention Tips for Water Damage in Your Bathroom
Preventing water damage in your bathroom is essential to maintain the structural integrity of your property and your family’s health. Here are some tips to avoid water damage:
Regularly check for leaks in pipes and fixtures.
Repair any leaks immediately.
Install a bathroom exhaust fan to reduce humidity.
Use a shower curtain or door to prevent water splashing onto non-shower walls.
Use a bath mat outside the bathtub or shower to prevent water from seeping into bathroom floors.
Open your windows if you have hot showers.
Make sure your shower head is working correctly to prevent it from leaking water.
Regularly inspect the tiles for cracks, damage, and missing or damaged grout.
Replace any damaged or outdated fixtures.
The Bottom Line
Water damage can cause serious problems, and the key to minimizing the impact is to get help immediately. Our professional remediation and restoration team specializes in identifying the source of the problem (such as a hidden leak) and performing emergency services to repair it.
With a comprehensive restoration process, we dry the property and also have access to specialist contractors should you need extensive repairs.
We’ll also thoroughly clean your bathroom using specialist products, which will eliminate mold and mildew odors.
Better still, one of our professionals will also meet with your insurance provider, ensuring you get the payment you deserve.
With a 24/7 emergency helpline, you can always count on us to be there when you need it most.
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The correct address will help us arrive to the appointment promptly.
Why do I need to provide insurance details?
Providing your insurance details now will help us prepare the appropriate documentation and ensure a smoother insurance claims process. For more details please see our insurance page.
What type of damage did my property suffer?
Choose Water Damage if the damage was a result of water from inside the property.
If water damage was a result of putting out a fire, choose Fire Damage.
If water damage was due to a storm or flood where the water come from outside the property, choose Storm Damage.
If you’re experiencing smoke damage, choose Fire Damage.
Details of the incident
Please include important info such as: time/day of incident, number of rooms, square footage of the room (an estimation is fine), contact details of important people related to the property, etc.
