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7 Tricks for Locating a Water Leak in Your Bathroom
Your home can suffer from water damage in more ways than one. While some causes are weather-related, perhaps the most insidious source is from your own bathroom plumbing. Left undetected, bathroom leaks can result in increased water bills and potentially thousands of dollars worth of damage.
Here are 7 tips for detecting bathroom leaks before they become problematic:
- Check the water meter
- Perform a toilet dye test
- Look for damaged walls and ceilings
- Be alert to musty smells
- Inspect seals in and around showers and bathtubs
- Test sink and bath drains
- Test for tap leaks
Avoid a potentially wet & costly situation by reading more about this not-so-pleasant topic below.
Run a Test Using Your Water Meter
One of the clearest indications of a leak in your household is if there’s a sudden unexplained increase in the water bill. For the most part, your water usage shouldn’t change too much from month to month, so a sudden surge is a surefire warning sign.
For further evidence of a leak, Bob Vila recommends this simple test. First, "turn off all the water faucets in your home, and make sure the washing machine and dishwasher are not running." Go to your water meter and look over the reading. After two hours, see if there is a change in the reading. If there is, you've definitely got a leak on your hands and it may be coming from your bathroom!
Test The Toilet
Toilets are among the leading culprits when it comes to unexplained leaks. The rubber stopper (knowns as the flapper) that separates the tank from the bowl can become brittle over time, creating a leak. If you have a toilet that periodically runs on its own for a few seconds, this is probably why.
To confirm your suspicions, put a couple of drops of food coloring into the tank of the toilet. Return after a few minutes and check the bowl. If the dye has entered the bowl, then there’s a leak that should be repaired.
Check for Water Damage to The Walls and Ceilings
If you have a leak emanating from an upstairs bathroom, one of the first things you’ll notice is water damage on the ceiling of the room below. Watermarks and discoloration are clear indicators of leaks, but you might also notice flaking or peeling paint.
Remember: Water doesn't always follow predictable routes. So if you see water marks on the walls, those could also be the result of a leaky upstairs bathroom.
Be Aware of Musty Odors
When it comes to bathroom leaks, the nose often knows best. An undetected leak can go on for quite some time, resulting in the ideal conditions for mold and mildew. Mold has an unpleasant odor and is a sign that your home could be suffering from significant water damage. It’s also a health hazard, especially for those who suffer from respiratory illnesses and allergies, so it's important you have it remedied as quickly as you can.
Inspect Bathtub and Shower Seals
You might not see any leaks or notice any obvious signs of water damage, but it’s important that you look for gaps between the seals surrounding your shower, bathtub, and walls. These kinds of leaks may require extensive renovations if they’re not repaired promptly.
Any presence of moisture on the seals is indicative of a problem, as is peeling or bubbling paint on the bathroom walls. If you have vinyl flooring, be cognizant of curling or bubbles and soft spots in the wood beneath.
Inspect Bathroom Drains
Leaks occurring around bathroom drains are usually very slow and can be extremely difficult to detect. The best way to discover a leak is to plug the drain and fill the tub or sink with water. If you return in an hour and the water has drained, then there’s definitely a leak. Make sure the problem isn’t due to a faulty stopper. There’s no reason to have your tub or sink torn apart if it isn’t necessary.
Investigate a Tap Leak
If water is leaking from the tap itself, that should be easy to discern. The sneakier leak, however, is when errant water is originating from the seals and silicon areas around the base of the faucet. To avoid being surprised by these types of leaks, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the cupboards just below your bathroom sink. When you have a moment, open the cupboards, pour water over the seals at the faucet’s base, and check below for moisture. If water drips into the cupboard, then you know you’ve got a problem.
Conclusion
Water damage is both financially draining and physically taxing. Something as small as a bathroom leak can get out of control in the blink of an eye, but it doesn't have to. By performing these simple tests, and being aware of your surroundings, you'll be able to recognize the warning signs before things get out of hand.