How To Spot and Prevent Bathroom Water Damage

Bathrooms and water go hand-in-hand—until the water is on your walls and floors. Sinks, toilets, and tubs all have the potential to cause water damage in your bathroom, and when they do, issues like mold and structural damage can wind up costing you more than a headache. 

What Does Bathroom Water Damage Look Like?

Your bathroom sees the most amount of water usage above all other rooms. Bathrooms are also notoriously warm, wet environments, posing the perfect breeding ground for all sorts of mold and bacteria growth. Towels, rugs, and other items can also retain moisture, leading to further issues. 

So what does bathroom water damage look like? Keeping these factors in mind, you can typically spot the signs of water damage using your five senses. If you smell musty odors, see damaged grout, or are stepping on loose tiles, there’s a chance water damage is lurking somewhere in your bathroom. More on this later.

3 Water Damage Categories & What They Mean

1. Category One: Clear Water

Clear water is water that hasn’t been compromised by pollutants and bacteria. This type of water is what’s typically found throughout your home.

2. Category Two: Gray Water

Gray water is classified as water that can irritate the skin and cause illnesses if ingested. This type of water is usually found in damaged dishwashers and overflowing toilets.

3. Category Three: Black Water

Black water is extremely dangerous and highly contaminated. Raw sewage, metals, and toxins are often found in black water. If you have black water in your home, call a professional immediately.

4 Signs of Bathroom Water Damage

Now that you know the different types of water categories, let’s take a look at how you can spot the signs of water damage in your bathroom. Stay on the lookout for things like:

1. Recurring Musty Odors

Got a stinky, musty odor in your bathroom, even after you’ve emptied your laundry hamper? Musty odors are usually a telltale sign of mold growth. Mold is a health hazard, so addressing the issue quickly is advised. Call a CTR professional for proper inspection and fast mold remediation.

2. Damaged Caulk or Grout

Caulk or grout issues are often a sign of water damage. When water permeates your walls and floors, caulk and grout are typically the first to degrade and fail. Water can seep through unstable caulk and ruin your bathroom if not dealt with.

3. Loose Flooring

Is your floor feeling rather spongy lately? Moisture underneath your floors can cause tiles to loosen and feel spongy with every step. Mold also loves subflooring, as it’s a perfect environment for it to thrive. Get a pair of professional eyes on your flooring and call a CTR expert. 

4. Visible Mold Growth

Finally, visible mold growth warrants a call to Cleanup & Total Restoration. Any amount of mold is a cause for concern and can lead to issues like allergies and respiratory illnesses. Uncover and eradicate mold growth with the help of CTR.

Read More: How to Tell if Your Cabinets Have Water Damage

Ways To Prevent Bathroom Water Damage

Now that you know the different signs to spot water damage in your bathroom, let’s look at ways you can prevent water damage from happening in your bathroom:

Check For Leaks

Make it a part of your weekly routine to check your bathroom for any leaks. Take a peek under the sink and don’t forget to look behind any vanities.

Repair Missing Tiles

Broken or missing tiles are like an invitation for water. If a piece of tile is broken, replace it with a new one as soon as possible to prevent any water from getting trapped.

Upgrade Your Fixtures

Old sinks, toilets, and showerheads are often the culprits of leaks and rising water bills. Give your fixtures an upgrade and enjoy the new look of your bathroom without worry.

Only Flush Toilet Paper

You should only be flushing toilet paper, nothing else. Flushable wipes, toiletries, and tampons should never be flushed down the toilet unless you want a plumbing mess on your hands.

Use Bathmats

Place a few bath mats on your bathroom floor to prevent water from building up. Point showerheads away from the shower door and wipe away any water that finds its way onto your floors.

Can My Tile Flooring Get Water Damaged?

Yes, tile flooring can get water damage, especially if the tile is missing or broken. Replace your tile as soon as you notice damage and cover your floors with mats to minimize the risk of water damage. 

Read More: Tips and Tricks for Spotting Water Damage in Your Home

Repair Bathroom Water Damage With CTR

Water damage in your bathroom is frustrating, to say the least. Instead of making the repairs yourself, trust our team of experienced technicians to take care of your bathroom water damage. We’re available 24/7 and will arrive on your property in 60 minutes or less. Leave your frustrations at the door and get the restoration services you need. Schedule an appointment today.