Home Water Damage Prevention: The Shower and Bathtub

Home water damage prevention is crucial to preserving the integrity and strength of your home. In most cases, simple steps such as regular checks and preventative measures can prevent water damage in your home. The bathroom is probably the area that is most prone to water damage. Every time you use the bathtub for a soak or a shower, you use gallons of water. By regularly examining the area in and around your bathtub or shower cubicle and ruling out any chances of moisture accumulation, you can prevent home water damage.

Prevent Water Splatters

If you want a relaxing soak in the bathtub, ensure you do not overfill it. If you do, the water will splash all around the bathtub when you enter. Kids can have a wonderful time in the bathtub, but you should supervise them to ensure their safety and to ensure they do not wet anything outside the tub. Empty the bathtub immediately after every use.

If you shower, use low-flow faucets to conserve both heat and water. These faucets also prevent forceful sprays that can wet the periphery. Whether you use a bathtub or a shower stall, always make sure the shower curtain or door is securely closed and that water remains inside.

Look for Potential Signs of Trouble

Water damage often appears in the form of small problems that may be ignored. Discoloration or softness on bathroom walls indicates a water leak. If the pipe or showerhead in your bathtub drips constantly, you should replace or tighten it. Constant leaks will result in high water bills and home water damage. They may also contribute to the growth of mold and dangerous bacteria.

If the drain in the bathtub or shower cubicle does not empty well, it indicates a blockage. Remove the blockage with a plumbing device or drain cleaner. Call a plumber if necessary. Ensure the drainage pipes are not leaking any water to the bathroom floor. In serious cases of home water damage, the bathroom floor can begin to sag, indicating severe damage to the structure.

Mold or mildew growth in the bathroom is a sign of serious moisture problems. Make sure your exhaust fan is doing a good job of removing heat and moisture from your bathroom. If you have a rug or carpet in your bathroom, keep it dry at all times. Regularly inspect for signs of mold or mildew. Clean the bathroom once a week.

Leaks in pipes close to the shower or bathtub may be hard to detect. Be on the lookout for stains or moisture on the walls and floor. If you hear dripping water behind the wall, you probably have a leaking pipe. Consult a plumber immediately to fix the issue. If you let it go, you will have to deal with more severe problems of home water damage.

Replace Missing Tiles or Grout

If the tiles on the bathtub wall or shower are loose or missing, replace them or add new ones immediately. Also, make sure there is no missing grout between tiles. Reapply grout as needed. Check the caulk at the boundaries between the tiles and the floor or bathtub. Repair it as needed.