One of the most frequently used rooms inside your home is certainly your bathroom. It’s also an area where water is used the most, ranging from the bathroom faucet, shower nozzle, or and toilet. A simple fact to remember is that water and homes do not mix. If you begin to suspect that your bathroom is experiencing some form of water damage, it’s essential that you act quickly. Even if the damage, sometimes hidden behind cabinets or other features, can’t be seen — having an “out of sight, out of mind” attitude about the situation can be a costly mistake. Left untreated, water damage in your bathroom can cost you thousands of dollars in the long run. Total Restore Inc. wants to help you identify the damage and inform you of some helpful tips to prevent further harm to your home. Our team of experts are standing by to help get your bathroom and your life back to normal.
Tips for Identifying Bathroom Water Damage
It may seem trivial, but the water damage mitigation process is very complex. Omissions, errors, or oversights in the mitigation process will not surface immediately; damage could be lingering for years before it’s obvious, possibly causing serious health issues. Exercise caution.
Identifying potential water damage inside of your bathroom is the first step to preventing or reducing the harm being done to your home. Below, our team has listed some of the most common signs or indications that your bathroom may be suffering from water damage. Next, you’ll learn how to take the first steps towards repairing the damage.
Soft Bathroom Floor
- The very first sign of water damage that you’re likely to notice inside your bathroom is a “soft” feel to your floor. Your subfloor is most likely constructed with plywood which tends to absorb any water it encounters. Once this water is absorbed, plywood will swell and soften. Areas most prone to this type of damage include the floor around the bathtub and toilet.
Moldy Smell
- If you’ve noticed a musty or moldy smell inside your bathroom, it could be a sign of possible water damage. It’s a good idea to take some time to track down the source of the smell. Any type of stain or discoloration on the drywall will alert you of a water problem. Remember, water has a tremendous ability to travel within your home via the walls or subflooring; the water leak may be located further away from where the actual visible damage occurs. Peeling wallpaper, damaged paint, or blistering on the wall are three signs to look for. It’s extremely unlikely that damage this severe could be caused by steam from hot showers.
Investigate the Source
- It’s critical that you take the time to track down the water leak causing the damage. Covering up the damage is one of the worst things you can do in a situation like this. Mold is relentless in its growth and can quickly spread to other areas of your home, putting the health of you and your loved ones at risk. When looking for the source of the damage, don’t be lazy. In order to track it down you may have to cut into the drywall, remove baseboards, or even remove some of the flooring, investigating the subfloor beneath.
Mitigate the Damage
- Be sure to properly dispose of all damaged or wet materials that you remove. Another important tip to remember is that bleach is NOT a recommended solution for dealing with mold. In fact, bleach can lose its effectiveness over time, is toxic to your health, and can actually contribute to mold growth. Instead, use a product that’s designed specifically to stop mold growth. Since moisture is the enemy in this situation, make sure the area is properly ventilated once cleaned.
Replace Damaged Areas
- Now that you’ve stopped the damage and properly ventilated the area, it’s time to replace the affected materials. You’ll likely have to replace plywood or patch drywall to get your bathroom looking normal again. Since mold grows at a very rapid pace, it’s crucial to ensure the area is completely dry prior to replacing materials. Our team uses specialized air circulation equipment to dry out the area to prevent damp spots. Leaving behind a wet area can force you to start the entire process over again.
Contact Total Restore Inc.
- While some smaller leaks can be dealt with personally, it’s wise to seek professional help, ensuring there are no health violations present and the job is up to code. Our team has the expertise to develop a game plan for getting your bathroom back to normal. Mold growth can put you and your family’s health in serious jeopardy and create a major safety issue if left unattended. We use specialized equipment and repair tools to identify, mitigate, and prevent future damage inside of your bathroom. Feel free to visit our website or give us a call today!