Water damage in the bathroom doesn’t always announce itself loudly. Sometimes it’s hiding behind walls, under floors, or in tiny gaps you’d never expect. The tricky part is that these small problems can turn into big headaches if you don’t catch them early. Learn how to spot hidden water damage in your bathroom by following this guide!
Softened or Warped Walls and Floors
Walls and floors should feel solid. Soft spots, warping, or bubbling could mean water seepage. For example, tiles bulging out or cracking might indicate excess moisture behind them. Similarly, laminate flooring can buckle or lift when water penetrates its layers.
Pay attention to corners and edges near tubs, showers, and sinks, as water often sneaks into these areas. Running your hand over a suspect area can also reveal a change in texture or firmness.
Persistent Musty Smells
You may spot hidden water damage in your bathroom through persistent musty smells. Mold and mildew thrive in damp, hidden spaces, such as behind walls or under flooring. Even if you scrub and air things out, the smell won’t go away if water continues to pool somewhere.
For example, trapped moisture from a leaky pipe inside a wall can allow mold to spread silently. Keep an eye on humid spots, such as under the sink cabinet or near the toilet’s base. Consider calling a professional to investigate if the odor doesn’t disappear after drying these areas.
Unexpected Spikes in Your Water Bill
Don’t dismiss a higher water bill as normal without investigating. A dripping pipe behind the wall or a faucet leak may waste water without you noticing. Check for puddles in areas where you might not often look, such as inside vanity cabinets or behind toilets.
A slow leak under your sink could trickle water that you don’t find until it soaks through to the floor beneath. You might have a hidden plumbing issue to address if your water meter shows usage when you turn everything off.
Discolored Grout and Caulk
Besides signaling hidden water damage, discolored grout or caulk is a tell-tale sign it’s time to replace your shower. Mold loves grout lines because they’re porous and damp. Water could slip through the gaps, worsening the damage below when the caulk around your shower or tub changes color or cracks.
In these instances, it’s best to promptly address the issue to prevent further damage. Clean and reseal the grout or replace the caulk to prevent water from seeping. Then, make plans to install a new shower soon.
Stains on the Ceiling Below the Bathroom
Water from leaks can show up as stains on the ceiling below if you have a bathroom on an upper floor. These stains appear as circular spots with brown or yellow edges.
Ceilings tend to sag or bubble when water builds up for too long, creating more problems. Examine the floor around toilets and bathtubs upstairs to catch leaks before they drip through. Stopping the leak early can save you a lot of repair work on both levels.
