Causes of a Leaky Shower or Bath
Causes of a Leaky Shower or Bath
Every homeowner has a responsibility to take care of their property, and that includes identifying faulty systems or fixtures requiring repair or replacement. One of the challenges you may encounter as a homeowner is a leaky shower or bathtub and ignoring this issue is not a good idea because it can cause damage if there are rooms underneath your bathroom.
Here are some details that demystify shower or bathtub leaks, which can give you the insight you need.
Where Do Leaks Occur?
Shower and bath leaks can occur on various locations including at the water supply plumbing that is behind the wall, the valve, at the drain, and from the plumbing faucet. You need to note that though leaks from a valve or plumbing faucet may not cause damage on your property, they can increase your monthly bill considerably because of wastage of gallons of water every day.
How Long Do Leaks Take to Occur?
There is no definite period within which you can expect leaks from your shower or bath because they can occur when the plumbing works are still fresh or after using these installations for a while. The implication, in this case, is that you can expect shower or bath leaks any time and inspecting these fixtures as often as possible to identify the same is advisable.
What Does A Shower Or Bath Leak Imply?
Multiple issues can cause shower or bath leaks and here are details on the reasons for specific leaks in various categories.
Faucet Leaks
A leaking faucet can cause staining of the shower stall or the side of a tab, and it can also keep you awake in the night. If your tap is leaking, it is an indication that you need to replace the washer, rubber gasket, or O-ring. If the cartridge or ball valve is faulty, it can cause leakage from your faucet as well, and you should consider replacement of the same, but such problems are quite rare.
Leaking Drains
Loose water supply connections or rust can also cause leakage on your drains. Since the shower and bathtub drain connect to P-traps water can seep through strainers if drain connections are weak and small cracks or breaks at the bottom of such installations can also cause leakages.
Water Supply Leakage
Improper installation of the solder connections on your bath or shower or the presence of rust underneath the solder can cause leaks. Tight connections also tend to develop pinhole leaks at the joints after some time because of rust buildup.
Should You Worry About Shower Or Bath Leaks?
Once you notice shower or bath leaks, you should address the issue as soon as possible. The reason is that leaking showers or baths can damage the ceiling of the room that is directly beneath your bathroom if you do not take the right action at the right time. Negligence can also cost homeowners with leaking baths or showers under their roof a fortune in terms of the cost of repairs or the monthly payments they should make to access water.
What Should You Do When You Identify A Leak in Your Shower Or Bath?
Sometimes, you may discover that there are loose screws on your tab, and by tightening them, you can stop leakage on baths or faucets. O-ring and gasket replacement among other technical repair works involving leaking bathtubs or showers require the engagement of experts since the task is complex.
Involving qualified and experienced service providers in your home’s plumbing works is important because it will ensure proper installation of the shower and bath, which can prevent leakage. Competent service vendors replace an old tub with a new one, and the latter comes with tight insulation on the walls, thus ensuring it is a perfect fit.
Proper installation of showers and baths within your house will also eliminate mold and mildew, which can affect your health in one way or another, and they can damage your property as well.
