Your bathroom may be showing you warning signs that you have water damage. While nobody likes to stare at their bathroom walls or floors for too long, there are things you will need to pay careful attention to in order to avoid potentially bigger water damage problems.
Cracked or Warped Flooring
Always be on the lookout around the outer edge of the toilet for excess water, a moist spongy floor, or if stains appear around the base.
Watch for floors that are warped or popping. Pay attention to any damp or wet spots on carpets and other flooring. Look for water along baseboards.
The floor is a common area for water to seep into, potentially causing damage to floors and walls. Flooring that is cracked, broken, or missing tiles needs to be repaired.
Stains, Bubbles, & Stains
On walls and ceilings look for any spots that are bubbling, wrinkling, or discolored. Take notice of any spots of dampness or softness of material.
Mold can grow on almost any surface including ceilings, wallpaper, flooring, wood, and insulation. Humid areas and areas with high water use are the most common places for mold growth. Look for white, green, or black specks. If you do suspect mold, you should have your home thoroughly inspected before things get worse.
Pay attention to any sounds of dripping or trickling behind walls. If something seems out of the ordinary, be sure to have it checked out.
Foul Odors
If you have mold you may smell it before you see it. It will have a musty or damp odor. If the smell is stronger in a particular area or room, then that may be the source. Remember that mold likes to hide in areas like ceiling tiles, behind walls, in attics, or under flooring so it can be difficult to detect.
Low Water Levels in Toilet
Low water levels in the toilet could be a sign of a crack in the bowl or a clog.
It’s important to regularly check the toilet for any signs of cracks. Caulking should also be inspected to ensure seals are in good condition.
A consistent, steep increase in water bills is another sign to look for. Before jumping to conclusions though, the first thing to think about is overall water usage in your home. If you recently had guests or it’s summer and your children have been playing outside with the water running or filling up a pool, then you may have your answer. Anything out of your normal watering routine could mean a possible spike in your bill.
Signs of water damage should never go ignored. A lot of water damage can be prevented through proper repair and maintenance performed regularly.
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