Common Areas for Bathroom Water Damage

With 75% of residential water consumption occurring in the bathroom, it’s no wonder that it’s a hotspot for water damage. There are many reasons for water damage in the bathroom: you may live in an area with high humidity, have children that like to splash in the bathtub, or simply forgot to caulk your bathtub last year. Since every homeowner in Port Jervis has a risk of sustaining water damage in the bathroom, take a look at these preventative tips to assure your washroom stays clean and dry:

Shower and Tubs

• Inspect tiles and backsplash to see if any are missing or damaged. This could be a sign of internal water damage. If the grout holding tile together is damaged or worn-thin, water can bypass the protective layer of grout and cause internal structural damage.
• Don’t let water sit in the tub. Standing water usually wants a place to go, and it will find an alternate route.
• Remove and replace caulk yearly to prevent leaks and reduce buildup. As the house shifts (a normal process that occurs in every home) a hairline crack can appear between the tub and floor. A drop is a lot when it comes to water damage, so be prepared by applying an even layer of caulk annually.
• Develop the habit of drying the floor regularly after taking a shower.
• Use and abuse the exhaust fan in the bathroom. Excessive moisture can slowly rot bathrooms, so be sure to let the exhaust fan run while you shower. This will lessen the amount of water droplets in the air and ultimately reduce the risk of damage.

Sinks and Cabinets

• ­Check for water damage regularly. This one’s a no-brainer, but cabinets are often overlooked as contributors of water damage, since they are exposed to water every day.
• Get rid of that old pan catching water under your sink. Hopefully you don’t have one of these, but if you’re guilty, call a plumber as soon as possible. Leaking can be a small representation of a host of plumbing problems.
• Just like the tub, sinks should be regularly inspected and caulked to counteract standing water.

Toilets

• Check the seal at the bottom of your toilet. If there is a ring of moisture, be sure to get your toilet inspected. You may need to have the seal replaced to stave off water damage.
• Make sure the tank does not leak. If you hear the tank filling for no apparent reason, have it inspected. The constant drip of water can be the culprit of a toilet-caused water damage incident.

Basic Plumbing

• Don’t discount any discoloration on the walls. Many homeowners dismiss odd coloring, wrinkling, or softness on walls. However, these are major red flags in the water damage industry. Be alert and call Advanced Disaster Recovery Inc. in Port Jervis to discuss means of remediation.
• Inspect walls adjacent to the bathroom. Moisture detected in surrounding rooms can often be linked to a surrounding bathroom.
• If you have any concerns or questions about the integrity and operation of your pipes, don’t hesitate to call a professional. Prevention is cheaper and easier than undergoing a restoration project.

Water can cause extensive damage in bathrooms if left unchecked. Be proactive about preventing damage. Simple maintenance and a watchful eye can detect a large percentage of water damage. If you have any questions or concerns about your property and water damage, give Advanced Disaster Recovery Inc. in Port Jervis a call!