Water Leaks Underneath Tile Surrounds In Bathrooms: What To Look For
Hidden water leaks under tile surround can lead to serious structural damage by the time you see some kind of sign of the problem. Moisture can seep into walls surrounding shower areas, tub surrounds, and bathroom floors. That same moisture can weaken drywall and floor materials as well as foster mold growth. Fortunately, there are usually warning signs that occur prior to significant damage occurring in a bathroom. Identifying those signs can help you save money on future repairs, and possibly save your home.
The Importance Of Early Detection Of A Water Leak Underneath Tile Surrounds
Water can easily accumulate under a layer of tile without creating any noticeable puddles. As time passes, that accumulated moisture can begin damaging the materials located directly under the surface of your bathroom. The sooner you detect the water leak under your tile surround, the better you will be at identifying the original source of the leak, before it grows out of control.
1. Loosening Or Separating Bathroom Tiles
Loosened tiles can indicate a potential moisture-related issue behind either a wall or the floor of your bathroom. Water can damage the adhesive used to hold tiles in place (or reduce its effectiveness) as well as damage the top surface of whatever is supporting the tile.
Tiles that are loose may shift slightly when pressed upon, or make a hollow sound when lightly tapped. Poorly installed tile(s), however, could potentially exhibit the same characteristics; therefore, additional investigation may be warranted.
2. Cracking And/Or Deteriorating Grout
Grout serves as a filler between layers of tiles. With time, grout may become cracked, crumbled, broken down due to a combination of factors including, but not limited to, old age, movement caused by settling of foundations, or exposure to excess moisture.
Damaged grout provides a pathway for moisture to pass through to the material below where the tile(s) were originally installed. However, simply finding cracks in grout does not automatically mean there is a plumbing-related leak.
Take a close look at grout in your bathrooms’ showers, bathtubs and/or floors. If damaged areas continue to develop over time, have a professional check for signs of hidden moisture.
3. Unpleasant Odors Within The Bathroom
There exists the possibility that if you’ve noticed a persistent musty odor within your bathroom that has been difficult to get rid of despite your best efforts at cleaning and providing adequate ventilation that it’s indicative of moisture being trapped behind your tile surround. The presence of hidden leaks in your plumbing can create a moist environment behind the walls and floors of enclosed spaces such as bathrooms. This creates an ideal setting for mold and mildew development.
Even though surface mold is likely to be present in your bathroom due to normal condensation, it’s possible that recurring growth indicates that there’s moisture behind your tile surround. Check whether mold develops again immediately after you clean it up. A professional will need to conduct an assessment to determine what is causing the problem.
4. Mold/Mildew On/Between Tiles In The Bathroom
Mold and mildew often grow in areas with elevated amounts of moisture. Discoloration in the form of dark spots can be seen along grout lines of the tiles as well as at corners of your shower and/or tub edges can be indicative of a moisture related issue.
Condensation can also contribute to surface mold in bathrooms. Recurring mold development in the same general area suggests that there’s moisture existing behind the tiles.
Assess how quickly mold regrows after cleaning. A certified professional should assess the root cause of the problem.
5. Wall/Wall Surface Damage
Leaks behind bathroom tile can eventually migrate into surrounding walls. Keep an eye on walls adjacent to your shower, bathtub and/or plumbing fixtures. Ceiling stains above an upstairs bathroom can indicate that there’s a hidden leak somewhere in your ceiling/walls.
Don’t ignore repeated instances of wet/damp patches. Wet/damp patches in walls may be an indication that water has migrated into your building materials.
6. Soft/Floored Areas Beneath Your Bathroom Floors
Excess moisture migrating under tile surrounding your bathroom can compromise the integrity of the sub-floor beneath it. Prolonged exposure to water/moisture may soften the wood (and/or other materials) comprising your sub-floor.
Check to see if your bathroom floor feels soft or spongy. Also watch for uneven surfaces and displaced/buckling tile(s). These types of issues don’t always represent a single cause (ie. leak); thus, an assessment by a trained/certified plumber/professional may be required.
7. Peeling Paint Around The Area Of Your Bathroom
Hidden leaks behind a shower tile surround can penetrate walls adjacent to them which contain drywall/painted surfaces.
Be aware of bubbled paint, peeling finishes and/or color changes on painted surfaces shared by adjacent rooms containing bathrooms.
In many cases, a certified professional can help you understand what type of moisture issue exists (waterproofing/plumbing etc.) based on the extent/degree of damage.