Tips To Locate a Shower Leak

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

The key to protecting your home in Vancouver, WA, from a shower or bathtub leak is to act fast.

You find a wet ceiling on the first floor of your home in Vancouver, WA. It is below the bathroom. How do you know if it a shower or bathtub leak? Review the following tips to find out where the leak is coming from and what to do next.

Shower Pan Problems

A shower pan leak is a common reason for finding water on the ceiling below your bathroom. What is a shower pan and why would it leak?

• A shower pan is a waterproof barricade located between the subfloor and shower tile. It catches water that leaks below the tile and funnels it into the drain. It is typically made from vinyl or lead and can deteriorate as it ages.
• If there is a shower pan leak, common indicators include separation between the bathroom wall and floor and missing grout or mold on the shower floor. The telltale sign is water on the ceiling or space directly below your shower.

First Floor Showers

When you have a shower pan leak, the key is to act immediately when you notice a wet ceiling below the bathroom. But, what happens when your shower is on the first floor and you do not have a basement? How can you tell if a shower or bathtub leak is an issue then?

• If you have a crawlspace, check the ceiling down there every once in a while for water damage. Some indications of a serious problem include black, wet wood and hanging stalactites that resemble icicles.
• For houses on a concrete slab, water from a leaky shower travels along the floors or walls of nearby areas. Be vigilant looking for wetness that does not result from an obvious spill.

The key to protecting your home in Vancouver, WA, from a shower or bathtub leak is to act fast. Heed the above signs that indicate a shower pan problem. If you suspect mold or rot from water damage, contact a water restoration specialist as soon as possible to obtain a thorough inspection and recommendations for next steps.
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