How to Prevent Bathroom Water Leaks

4/17/2021 (Permalink)

Unless you’re a plumber, you probably don’t think about the various ways water gets into and out of your bathroom toilet, sink, tub, or shower. Why would you? The only time it comes to mind is either as a passing thought or when you realize there’s a leak in your bathroom and investigate the source. 

Here’s how to make sure that your bathroom is as sealed up as possible from the beginning to prevent water leaks and the potential of bathroom water damage: 

• Sink: A bathroom sink is usually part of a bathroom vanity (the cabinet that the sink sits on top of). If there’s a leak in the sink, you generally find out when you open the cabinet door underneath and notice a puddle of water or see water seeping out of the cabinet door. To prevent such leaks, caulk (either silicon-based or latex-based) is applied to seal the gaps around your vanity and the sink itself. The caulk can last for a number of years, but does need to be removed and reapplied at a certain point because it can then break down, letting water get through. 
• Toilet: When the toilet was installed, a wax ring was placed around the hole in the floor to act as a water barrier between the bottom of your toilet and the sewer pipe. If that wasn’t installed properly, it could result in a leak and needs to be replaced.
• Shower: Prevent leaking shower heads and resulting water damage by fully tightening the shower head to the attachment. First, do so by hand and then use a wrench or pliers to ensure the shower head is firmly attached. 
• Tub: To prevent a leaking tub, apply 100% silicone caulk along the edges and sides of your bathtub and the walls/tiles and between the bottom of your tub and your floor. This will serve as a watertight seal. 

Has your bathroom sprung a leak, resulting in water damage or bathroom mold? Contact the Massachusetts water damage restoration experts at SERVPRO of Danvers / Ipswich for a water damage assessment as well as a remediation plan for water damage restoration.