How To Know Whether You Have a Shower Leak

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

Shower Leak

How To Know Whether You Have a Shower Leak

A bathtub leak can quickly damage the floors and walls of your Surprise, Az  home. You thus need to regularly inspect your shower and bathtub for signs of damage. Otherwise, your house may sustain extensive flooding that necessitates water damage remediation experts.
Shower pans are particularly problematic. A shower pan leak can manifest itself in many ways. Damage to any of the below areas may be evidence of this type of leak:

• Above living rooms
• Above slabs
• Over the crawlspace

Understanding Shower Pans
The shower pan is a liner between the sub-floor and the tile. It is typically made of plastic. Poorly installed shower pans may leak right away. Pans that are at least 30 years old may cause problems, as well.

Identifying Shower Leaks
A shower or bathtub leak often appears in the drain area first. This should thus be the first place you check during your inspection.
Next, look at the crawlspace. If you notice soggy wood or dripping white stalactites, you may have a leak in the shower pan.
You should also inspect any nearby wood trims or baseboards for possible water stains. Closets backed up to the shower must be checked, as well.
As you inspect the closet, remove any items stored against the wall alongside the shower. Wet carpeting inside the closet is another potential warning sign. Finally, if the shower is on an upper floor, look for water stains on the ceiling below the bathroom.
While the pan is the most difficult part of the shower to replace, it is not the only potential source of leaks. Be sure to check all the components regularly for any signs of excess water.
Of course, identifying a shower or bathtub leak is just part of the process. Once you determine that the leak exists, have a plumber fix the problem right away. Paying for this minor plumbing expense now will save you money on extensive restoration in the long run.