Detecting Water Leaks - Bathtub Edition
Is your bathtub leaking?
Did you know that finding a leak in the bathroom area is a common but stressful part of being a home owner. According to Home Depot, the average home may lose almost 10,000 gallons of water every year and 10% of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallon or more per day, which is enough waters to wash 300 loads of laundry.
Leaks can sometimes be hard to detect but here are some factors that could lead to a leaking bathtub.
Faulty Seals: Age, moisture, and use can erode the seals around the drains or connecting pipes.
Clogged pipes: Old pipes collect grease and hair. As clogs build up, the pressure changes and causes the water to find alternate routes to escape.
Rust or corrosion: Old pipes deteriorate. As they age, their ability to move water becomes compromised from both inside and outside.
Temperature changes: Shifts in temperature changes cause pipes to expand and contract, causing seals and connections to loosen.
Water damage is a serious issue that impacts your home and health. Leaks that go undetected for a while can promote the growth of mildew or mold and cause health issues to develop not to mention can be quite expensive on repairs.
Here are some ways to detect a water leak in your bathtub:
Use a moisture meter - A moisture meter can be found at your local hardware store for a reasonable price. This meter can detect moisture behind walls and under floors to indicate a potential leak.
Leak detector - Some water leak detectors can be pricey but if you find one for a reasonable price, a leak detector can alert you to leaks in pipes and fixtures through an alarm system.
Damaged walls and ceilings: Bowed walls or ceilings could indicate a water leak. Mold growing on walls or floors could also indicate a water leak behind the wall or in your ceiling.
Feel free to call us today if you suspect your bathtub is leaking. We’d be happy to help!