Americans lose more than
1 trillion gallons of water to water leaks every year. Just one small bathroom leak can waste dozens of gallons of water per day — and in many cases, you might be completely unaware of it.
That's why you need to be on the lookout for symptoms of water leaks, particularly in the bathroom where they're quite common. Here are the most common signs of bathroom water leaks.
Increased Water Bill
If your water bill is higher than usual but your home hasn’t had any major changes (such as a new resident), chances are good that you have a water leak. Even a small water leak can waste dozens of gallons every day, and at the end of the month, that waste can have a major impact on your water bill.
New Mold Growth
Mold on a shower wall isn't terribly unusual, although you can often avoid it with diligent cleaning and proper bathroom ventilation. But if you notice new mold growth on a non-shower wall or in another spot that the water doesn't normally reach, like the ceiling crevices, you may have a water leak in that area.
Strange Odor in the Bathroom
Water leaks cause standing water in your bathroom, which encourages mold growth and a stale odor. The water may be in such tiny amounts that it's more like perpetual condensation than an actual pool of water, so if you notice certain areas that always look damp, they might be caused by a water leak.
Dripping Faucet
While many faucets drip from time to time, a consistent drip is a strong indicator of a water leak. Check your bathroom faucets not only just after you turn off the tap, but also several minutes later to find out whether you have a continual drip.
Running Water Noise
The noise of running water long after you flush can be a telltale sign that your toilet flapper mechanism isn't sealing properly because it's worn out. Improper sealing can easily lead to water leaks.
Refilling Toilet Bowl
If you have a water leak in your toilet, you might notice water running down the toilet bowl when it hasn't been flushed for a while. You may even see phantom flushes, which happens when the toilet flushes without anyone touching the handle. This can happen when you have a slow toilet leak.
Changed Flooring
If the flooring around your toilet is peeling, warping, or bubbling up, a water leak could very possibly be the underlying issue. Sometimes the change may not be obvious visually, but the floor may suddenly seem to have a sponge-like texture if you have a hidden water leak.
Changed Walls or Ceiling
When you have a bathroom water leak, especially one that's hidden behind the walls, you may notice changes in the room's walls or ceilings. These changes may include dark stains, peeling wallpaper, or warping.
Changed Ceilings in Other Rooms
If your second-floor bathroom has a water leak, it may cause new problems in the room directly below the bathroom. You may notice dark spots on the ceiling and possibly other damage like bubbling and crumbling.
Keep your eye out for any of these water leak symptoms in and around the bathroom to save yourself money and avoid wasting water. If you do have a leak, call a professional to help with repairs.
With more than 80 years of combined experience, the Shamrock Plumbing team has the knowledge and skill to cover all your plumbing needs. Our team understands that you want economical solutions for repairs, replacements, and upgrades, and we’re here to help all residents in the Grants Pass, OR, area. Call now or
get in touch online anytime.
