How To Detect Common Causes of Bathtub and Shower Leaks

8/26/2022 (Permalink)

How To Detect Common Causes of Bathtub and Shower Leaks

Few aspects of homeownership are as frustrating to manage as a leak. When you suspect a shower or bathtub leak at your home in Berthoud, CO, you may wonder how to pinpoint the elusive cause of this potentially damaging problem. You can track down common leak causes by knowing where to look:

Check Your Shower or Bathtub Faucet
Slow faucet leaks are a common problem that many people ignore, not realizing the complications they can cause, including:

• Corrosion of parts subjected to constant water drips
• Staining of a bathtub's surface
• Higher water bills from unnecessary water flow

Replacing a faulty washer usually stops a faucet leak, but sometimes it is necessary to replace the entire faucet if too many of its parts are worn.

Check Your Bathtub's Surface
Bathtub leaks can happen when damage to fiberglass or acrylic surfaces causes leaks that may not be visible immediately. If you suspect your bathtub has a crack, fill it with water and look for bubbling in spots that could indicate the damaged area. Eventually, you will also see water pooling on the bathtub's outer surface and the floor beneath it. Some bathtubs' sealants can wear away over time, leading to similar consequences and potential water damage.

Check Your Shower Floor for Water Pooling

A waterproof liner, or shower pan, exists below your shower's floor to capture water seeping through the tiles and direct it down the drain. If the liner becomes pierced, excess water does not drain. Instead, it can leak through the underlying foundation and make its way to the rooms below your bathroom, where it can damage the ceilings. Mold can form after a shower pan leak, and you may require a mold remediation company's services to sanitize your space and prevent further damage.

Flooding caused by a bathtub leak can have severe consequences for your home in Longmont, CO, but a professional flood restoration service can handle the cleanup.