5 Signs You May Have a Bathroom Leak

Virtually every activity that takes place inside your bathroom requires water. Toilets, faucets, bathtubs, showers, and sinks all hold, dispense, or process water, and the possibility of a bathroom water leak is always present. Aging fixtures, damaged pipes, and broken seals are just a few of the reasons you may end up with a bathroom leak, and here are 5 signs that will let you know something isn’t right.

Toronto Bathroom Leaks Explained

1) Mold & Mildew

Mold and mildew are sure signs that there is too much moisture in your bathroom, and often signs of a hidden water leak. If a pipe that’s hidden behind a wall develops a leak, then you have the perfect dark, moist spot for mold to start growing.

2) Paint or Wallpaper Damage

Most of the time, normal steam from having showers won’t be enough to cause paint and wallpaper to blister and peel away. It’s only when moisture gets between the wall and the paper or paint, removing the bond; that it starts coming off. If the adhesive between your bathroom walls and the wallpaper or paint has lost its stickiness, then a bathroom leak may be the culprit.

3) Floor & Wall Damage

Bathroom floors are designed for higher moisture and humidity levels, so if you see water damage, then it’s probably the result of a leak. Any cracking, buckling, or staining usually signifies a water leak that requires professional attention. Bubbling or warping of the walls in your bathroom also signifies a water leak. It may also be soft, or just break off in pieces with a little bit of pressure.

4) Ceiling Stains

If you have a bathroom on the second floor or higher in your home and you have a leak, the ceiling of the room directly underneath may be affected. Staining on the ceiling is one telltale sign that there is a leak in the bathroom above. You may also notice a sagging ceiling along with stains if the water damage is more extensive. The longer a bathroom leak goes on without being remedied, the worse the ceilings underneath will be.

5) Musty or Earthy Odors

Hidden leaks in your bathroom can create strong musty smells because the water is always present and never has the opportunity to dry out. Even if the leak is behind a wall or under a floor, over time you will notice the odor. As with any of the other signs, you should call a plumber and explain the situation, so you can be provided with a solution that gets your bathroom back to normal as soon as possible.