This is a question that is often asked by homeowners, renters, and landlords. For good reason too! Leaking showers and bathrooms are a common issue for homeowners and something that tenants and estate agents will face at least once in a rental property. Most people know these kind of leaks are bad news. But due to the discreet nature of the problem, it can be hard to tell just how much damage a leaking shower can cause.
The type of damage you can expect from a leaking shower will vary. Water can penetrate the surface in a number of ways whether it be through a broken or loose tile, hole in the grout, or a split silicone joint.
It does not matter how the water leaks. It will eventually enter an unknown part of the house that is not designed to handle moist conditions (the substructure) – and that is where the trouble starts.
But how do you identify the signs of a leaking shower? And what kind of damage will the leak cause?
Signs of Damage Caused By a Leaking Shower
Signs of damage from a leaking shower come in two forms: things you can see (or smell), and things you cannot see. The latter is of course harder to identify and narrow down the source of the problem. These kind of issues can also be more serious and lead to an underlying issue with the internal plumbing.
Just how much damage can a leaking shower cause? Here are the most common visual signs of damage:
- Peeling, flaking or chipped wallpaper
- Damp carpet near or around the bathroom
- Water marks on the ceiling below the shower
- Musty fumes or odours
- Mouldy silicone joints
- Loose, cracked or damage tiles
- Missing tile grout
- Paint bubbling on the walls
- Cracks in the walls
- Visible gaps in wall and floor joints
- Hard to open certain doors or windows
Tired of asking yourself, ‘How much damage can a leaking shower cause?’ Call Shower Sealed on 1300 519 133 to find out, and fixing your leaking shower for good.
Damage to the Property
Besides these obvious warning signs, a leaking shower can cause much more serious damage.
When water breaches the substructure of the home, it can create damp conditions in the foundation and encourage the growth of mould or mildew. If left to grow, this can pose a serious health hazard to the family, and trigger a reaction from people with existing respiratory problems.
Damp conditions can also attract timber pests and you could end up with a serious infestation on your hands.
Most materials that form the foundation of a home are not waterproof. When exposed to water; timber products like floorboards, wooden joists, beams, and bearers will start to rot and weaken to the point it could collapse.
Need to Fix a Leaking Shower? Call the Experts
Clearly, leaking showers are more than just a nuisance.
If left unchecked, shower leakage can cause serious damage to your property and pose a major health risk to your family. Serious leaks can also take days to repair, and leave you without a bathroom for up to a week – what an inconvenience!
The good news?
Most shower and bathroom leaks can be fixed without the need to remove tiles and replace the membrane. Local waterproofing experts offer a range of hassle-free repair and renovation services to stop all kinds of leaks at a minimal cost. If you are concerned about your leaking shower, request a consultation with a waterproof expert who can assess your shower and find the source of the leak.
Most service providers offer a 10+ year guarantee (Shower Sealed offer a guarantee) on their waterproofing services.
Let Shower Sealed fix your leaking shower, and put a stop to the leak! For peace of mind, call Shower Sealed on 1300 519 133 to request a FREE quote.
