Water Damage Team Blog

Follow these six simple tips to prevent water damage problems in your bathroom. If you do need assistance with a water emergency call the Water Damage Team at the first sign of a problem.

1) Install an exhaust fan

Installing an exhaust fan is the most important thing you can do in the bathroom to maintain low levels of humidity. If you do not currently have a fan in your bathroom you can purchase one from a local home improvement store and easily install it yourself. The exhaust fan ventilates the bathroom by circulating the air and prevents damp air overloads. You should always use it during and following showers or baths to prevent moisture build-up. You should also inspect the fan every few weeks for accumulation of mold or excess moisture on the fan or in the duct. If you notice any problems clean them up immediately.

2) Monitor moisture levels

You should always be very attentive to excess moisture in your floors or walls, and stains or water marks as they may indicate plumbing problems that require attention. Carefully monitor moisture levels in the bathroom as well as in adjoining rooms. If you do suspect damage but cannot local the problem then you should call a water damage specialist as the problem may be with your plumbing.

3) The toilet

Your toilet is probably the most vulnerable water junction in your entire house. Toilet leaks frequently involve clean water and sewage water that can cause both structural damage add dangerous health hazards. You should examine the toilet water lines at least once a month to catch a problem as soon as it occurs. You should also search for leaks around the toilet seat, in the water hose, and under the tank. If you notice any signs of moisture on the floor around the toilet then inspect the toilet rim and tank seals to see if they need replacement. Always switch out damaged parts as soon as possible, if you wait the problem could escalate quickly into a heath problem. If the floor feels soft, water damage may have already occurred.

4) The shower

A bathroom show is exposed to a massive amount of water every day and may require additional attention to ensure it is well maintained. Every few weeks you should check the tiles in your shower and replace any cracked or damaged tiles immediately. To prevent water from dripping behind the tiles, you should always check that there is no missing grout between tiles. If there is, it needs to be fixed as soon as possible. Finally, inspect the caulking at any joints around the bathtub and replace and loose or missing sections.

5) Sinks and cabinets

Your sinks and cabinets are often exposed to moisture and high humidity levels but are unfortunately usually overlooked. Inspect under the sink regularly for signs of mold or moisture, and also check the countertop above it. Repair any drip in the trap as it lead to more serious drain problems. Look around the sink also as slow draining pipes may indicate a blockage. Replace sink seals if they are cracked or loose.

6) Fix problems immediately

Do not ignore leaks or water damage problems in your bathroom. Unless they are fixed immediately, these problems will lead to serious damage, expensive repair bills, and even potential health problems. If you cannot fix a problem on your own then call a water damage expert as soon as possible.

Don’t – Leave books or other paper materials such as newspapers or cardboard boxes on water damaged areas.

Do – Identify the source of the incoming water and stop it. If you can’t stop it on your own call a water extraction and removal professional as soon as possible.

Don’t – Leave any electronic items such as televisions or computers in water-damaged areas; move them to a dryer location as soon as water damage occurs.

Do – Keep the temperature under 68 degrees, if you turn the heat up past 68 degrees it will encourage mildew growth.

Don’t – Use an electric heater or dryer to extract water from carpets. They will dry the surface of the carpet but the padding will still be wet.

Do – Dry standing water on top of hard surfaces such as wood floors with towels or a shop vacuum.

Don’t – Don’t attempt to remove carpet or padding. A water damage professional should be consulted to decide the best course of action.

Do – Call the professionals at The Water Damage Team at the first sign of an water damage emergency at 800-533-0626. The Water Damage Team has local specialists across the nation who can dispatched a team to your location in 30 minutes or less. Call 24/7 365 days a year to get professional help and avoid further damage.