There’s no doubt that water is the key to life, but this theory doesn’t apply to the inside of your home. The damage can quickly disrupt your life, making your home a health hazard.
Water damage is unique as it builds up and worsens over time, eventually distorting frames and floors, cracking tiles and sealant, and softening ceilings and walls as mold thrives. Excess water seeps into tiny cracks and pores, so even small amounts can cause irreversible structural damage with time.
Such damages are widespread in bathrooms where water and moisture are perpetually present. We often overlook the process until significant damage, like cracks and bulges, catches our attention.
If you face water damage in your bathroom, this article demystifies how to repair and prevent recurring damage.
Recognizing Water Damage in Your Bathroom
The absence of obvious evidence of water damage doesn’t mean it’s not present. Some warning signs can hint at underlying issues since the damage lurks under floors and behind walls.
If you notice one or more of these signs, there’s a high chance your bathroom has water damage:
§ Soft or Spongy Floor
One of the earliest signs of water damage in your bathroom is a soft spongy feel when you step on the floor. Most subfloors consist of a plywood subfloor which is highly water-absorbent.
The plywood absorbs water, which causes the wood to soften and swell. This damage is most common on the floor near toilets and bathtubs.
§ Moldy or Musty Smell
A moldy or musty smell in your bathroom can indicate water damage. Inspect your bathroom to identify the source if you notice such a smell.
§ Stubborn Mold or Fungi
If mold keeps re-growing after cleaning it, you may have some underlying water damage.
§ Damaged Paint, Drywall, or Tile Issues
Water can move a long distance through the subfloor or walls, so the leak may be further than where the visible damage appears. Look for blisters and damaged or peeling paint on your walls.
Moisture seeping behind your walls can also cause the drywall to bubble or warp and tiles to loosen.
How To Repair A Water-Damaged Bathroom
If you notice any signs of water damage, it’s best to address the issue quickly. Procrastinating could cause irreversible damage and make your home a health hazard for your loved ones.
1. Thorough Mold Inspection
The first step when dealing with water damage in your bathroom is conducting a comprehensive mold inspection.
You can identify mold in your subfloor or drywall by stains on surfaces and walls and a musty smell. If you think the signs of water damage on your floor or walls are due to a more extensive mold infestation, the best move is to work with qualified water damage experts like NYTDR.
These experts have the proper knowledge, skills, experience, gear, and tools to conduct thorough inspections safely. They will handle the damaged items and repair the damage, leaving your bathroom in a better state than before.
2. Room Preparation
Once the experts remove the mold, you can prepare materials for the repairs and renovation.
You can start by shutting off the main water valve to avoid causing further damage during the repair process. If you have furniture like a vanity and portable items, it’s best to remove them from the water-damaged bathroom.
Working with industry experts with experience in bathroom restoration is a great way to save on restoration costs for damaged items like your bathroom vanity.
3. Fixing the Drywall
If the water damage has affected your bathroom’s structural integrity, ensure you contact certified contractors to help with the renovation.
You can DIY the repair using a keyhole saw and hammer for minor damages. You can cut the affected areas in a rectangular or circular shape to simplify the patching process.
You’ll need some clips to hold up the new pieces as you secure them with joint compound and tape. Once the patches dry, you can sand and paint them to match the surrounding drywall.
4. Repairing the Floor
Once the drywall repairs are complete, the next step is clearing the debris to prepare the bathroom floor. Rather than removing the damaged tiles, vinyl, or flooring and exposing protruding screws, nails, and baseboards, let experienced professionals handle this next step.
The team will handle the removal and replacement of any type of flooring.
5. Installing the Fixtures
With your floor and walls all done, it’s time to install new fixtures like toilets, cabinetry, sinks, shower heads, and any other items you need.
If you fancy new lighting or smart devices, this is your chance to build your dream bathroom.
How to Prevent Water Damage in Your Bathroom
Although it can be challenging to keep your bathroom dry, you can prevent further or future water damage by:
§ Repairing or Replacing Missing, Cracked, or Broken Tiles
Water can quickly seep through damaged tiles on your walls and floors, causing water damage. Your bathroom restoration should include replacing such tiles to avoid undoing the repair work.
§ Regularly Inspecting the Floor for Excess Water.
It’s essential to keep checking the bathroom floor to ensure all the water drains away after using the shower or bathtub.
Placing a bathmat on the floor can help absorb the excess water.
§ Regularly Checking for Signs of Leakage
It’s best to schedule regular inspections to check for signs of leaks like moldy walls or ceilings, discoloration, and paint bubbling. You can feel the walls for soft spots and walk barefoot across your floor.
Remember to check areas under sinks and vanities where water could pool.
§ Inspecting the Grout and Sealant
Sealants and grout ensure that bathroom fittings like tiles, bathtubs, and shower cubicles remain in place. Regular exposure to heat and moisture can cause wearing and cracking, which allows water to seep through.
You can clean the area and remove the damaged grout if you notice extensive damage. Allow the area to dry well before installing a new layer to prevent the fixture you install from moving.
§ Checking Regularly for Leaking Pipes or Spouts
If you notice water dripping from any fitting or pipe, ensure you fix it immediately. A small leak can progress with time as the water accumulates behind your wall or underneath the floor.
You can tighten the joint or apply sealant or plumbing putty. If you have doubts about the extent of the damage or if the DIY repair fails, you should contact experts from NYKB for assessment and repair.
§ Looking for Signs of Rot and Decay
Remember to watch for signs of decay like mold and rot during your bathroom cleaning routine. Stains on the sealants or surfaces may indicate it’s time to act.
§ Installing Drain Covers
Every bathroom should have drain covers. These clever additions keep out hair and large particles like dirt clumps that can cause blockages in your drains that will likely trigger internal floods and leaks.
If you have drain covers, remember to keep them clear of debris.
§ Ensuring Proper Ventilation
Most bathrooms constantly have moisture and heat with minimal air circulation. It would be best to consider investing in a good exhaust fan to reduce excessive moisture and humidity.
You can let the fan run for a few minutes each time you shower or bathe. Make a habit of leaving the window slightly open and the door open whenever your bathroom is free.
Take Proactive Steps to Manage Water Damage in Your Bathroom
There are numerous benefits to addressing and preventing water damage in the bathroom in the early stages. Not only does it save on expensive repairs, but it also helps protect furniture and decor items from damage due to mold growth from excessive dampness.
If your bathroom needs attention, schedule a free consultation with experts from NYKB and watch your bathroom transform into your dream space.
