We all live our lives day to day thinking that nothing bad will happen. We never think that we will be the ones dealing with the cleanup of a house fire. Unfortunately, there are many, many families that suffer the impact of house fires each year. Last year, a close friend of mine was a victim of a house fire and since then, my life has been different. I have spent many hours researching fire prevention, causes, and teaching children about fire prevention and what to do in the case of a fire. It is my hope that my research can help those of you concerned about house fires make the necessary changes in your home and teach your kids what they need to know about fire.
Bathtub and shower drain leaks can go undetected, since often the damage occurs out of sight. By the time you notice something is wrong, you may have both an extensive plumbing issue to repair as well as major structural damage and mold. Fortunately, there are signs you can watch for that indicate that a leak may be occurring. Knowing the following can help you diagnose a leak before the problem becomes too severe.
Sign #1: Gurgling drains
Although some drain noise is normal, excessive gurgling or a dripping sound that continues even after the tub is empty may mean that water is leaking through a pipe and dripping within the wall or flooring. Take a few minutes to listen carefully for any continued sounds after each shower, perhaps as you dry off. If you suspect that the sounds you hear indicate a leak, contact a plumber for a more thorough inspection.
Sign #2: Mildew odors
Most people know the musty, stale odor of mold or mildew. A well-ventilated bathroom should never have this smell. If you notice mildew odors or mustiness, check the bathroom for visible signs of mold. Shower walls, grout and caulk lines, and ventilation fan filters are common locations. If you can't find an obvious source for the mildew, it's time to have an inspection to make sure a leak isn't causing mold growth in the walls or flooring.
Sign #3: Bubbling paint
Modern latex paint doesn't always allow dampness through easily, so you may not spot a leak in a wall right away. If the bathroom is on the second floor, keep an eye on the ceiling below for bubbling or blistered paint. Also, watch the opposite wall adjacent to the bathtub or shower for bubbling. If you notice bubbles, then water is being trapped behind the paint in the wall board, which means you have a leak to repair.
Sign #4: Loose flooring
Most bathroom have linoleum, vinyl flooring, or tiles. All three flooring materials are held down with adhesives that can lose their holding ability if they are consistently exposed to moisture. If you notice that your tiles are becoming loose or the flooring is peeling up near the tub or shower pan, schedule a leak inspection. On tile floors, the grout may also begin to weaken and crack from moisture underneath.
For more help with a leaking bathroom drain, contact a plumber in your area.
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