Bathroom leaks often go unnoticed until they've caused real damage. Water from a failed shower pan, cracked grout or a loose toilet seal can soak subfloors and ceilings below for months.
Warning signs
- Stains on the ceiling below a bathroom
- Loose or cracked tiles, or grout that keeps crumbling
- Soft or spongy floor near the toilet or tub
- Peeling paint or wallpaper near the shower
- A musty smell that doesn't go away
- A water bill that rises without explanation
Common sources
Shower pans and tile installations can fail when grout and caulk crack or the waterproofing layer behind the tile wasn't installed correctly. If tile or grout is the source, a tile specialist such as Green Tile Installer can rebuild the shower or floor so it stays watertight. Toilet wax seals, supply lines and drain connections are other common culprits.
Limiting the damage
Stop using the fixture, check the ceiling below for sagging, and have the area evaluated with a moisture meter or thermal camera. Wet subfloors and ceiling drywall need to be dried or replaced. Learn about water damage removal and how local pros handle it.
This article is general information, not professional advice. Dawn Waterproofing connects homeowners with independent local service providers and does not perform the work.