What They Don’t Tell You About Shower Leaks

Did you know?

A shower head leaking at 10 drips per minute can waste over 500 gallons (ca. 1,893 liters) of water per year. (US EPA)

As we all know, there are so many issues in our homes that remain unfixed because of our busy lifestyle, and shower leaks are most common among residential properties. 

Many household leaks that are left undetected and unattended result in high water bills and a huge amount of water lost. 

However, a major chunk of the audience doesn’t know about the root causes of these issues and repair approaches, which is why they are dealing with losses daily. 

So, to eradicate these recurring problems, this blog post aims to provide a comprehensive overview of this segment and provide valuable insights to the readers. 

Let’s begin!

Key Takeaways 

• Uncovering varied reasons that cause shower leaks
• Unfolding various plumbing faults that need to be fixed as soon as possible.
• Tackling some real-life questions and difficulties that come with concern.
• Decoding solutions to common problems like high water bills 

What Causes a Shower Leak? 

Although there are so many hidden reasons that can cause shower leaks in your bathrooms that are not easily evident. But here are some factors that are common factors that can damage your pipelines. 

Faulty Waterproofing 

The role of a waterproofing system is to protect against water damage, prevent mold and mildew build-up, and ensure long-term structural integrity. If the materials or components are not compiled appropriately, then everything can be worthless.

Cracked Grout and Tiles

Over time, the bathroom floor will go through wear and tear that can be caused by accidental impacts or shifting building foundations. .Moisture and water will seep through the cracks between grout and tiles, soaking into the subfloor. Moisture damage can happen if it is not fixed right away.

Damaged Shower Seals 

Similar to waterproofing, seals in glass panels, shower screens, and the base of a shower unit prevent water from leaking into other parts of the shower area. When they start to degrade due to general wear, age, or constant use of cleaning chemicals, they lose their efficacy and flexibility. Water can start seeping through the gaps and tears.

Plumbing Problems 

A leaky shower head is just one of the causes of water damage within the shower area. Those pipes that are established during the building development or are prone to corrosion can also cause a drastic impact. If there are loose connections between pipes, water can drip through them as well. The constant dripping may seem more annoying than damaging, but it can lead to bigger and more expensive issues. 

Intriguing Insights

This infographic shows varied facts about water leaks

Why Should You Worry About a Leaky Shower?

Because there’s more to it than just unsightly stains and the irritating sound of water dripping. That moisture patch on the floor that has steadily grown may have extended to other areas of your home that should be kept completely dry. 

Structural Problems 

A constant leak in the shower can seep through other parts of your home, passing through parts that hold together your home’s foundation. Peeling wall paint, for example, is a sign of a leak. 

The identical condition is true if the timber door frames start to rot. Now, imagine that same water and moisture damaging the timber floors and studs that support the walls. Your home’s structure is no longer as sound as it used to be. While the problem is still small, contact a shower repair in Sydney right away. 

Mould Growth

A shower leak is not only detrimental to the health of your home but also to yours. Damp and poorly ventilated areas are the perfect breeding ground for mold. Mold could be to blame if you notice a musty smell coming out of your bathroom, no matter how often you clean it, if you notice a musty smell coming out of it. Exposure to the tiny spores that it releases can cause health problems, such as sore throat, coughing, and nasal congestion.

Don’t wait for severe asthma attacks or respiratory concerns to occur before you get rid of mold. Better yet, prevent growth by controlling moisture levels in your bathroom. If the infestation already persists or has become a major difficulty, a major overhaul might be needed to get rid of the concern once and for all. Remodelling for your overall health is always a worthy investment. 

Interesting Facts
Water leaks not only waste water but also contribute to environmental issues, as water is a finite resource. 
(Source)

Higher Water Bills 

Even if you don’t notice the leak in your shower, you will surely notice the increase in your water bill, especially with the same level of consumption. Why would it suddenly spike if you’re using the same amount of water day in and day out? That’s because you could be wasting up to 20 litres per day without realizing it. So even if the leaks are invisible, the high bills for water consumption will give you an eye-opening call.

Expensive Repairs 

With the leak left unattended for a long time, you may need to renovate your bathroom. What could have been a simple re-grout has become a major overhaul. If the leak has started damaging the overall framework, then it’s better to invest time and opt for expensive repairs. As you can see, leaks in the shower or other parts of your home can become a major difficulty when neglected. 

It’s best to fix the concern as soon as you notice it then wait for it to impact your property, health, and peace of mind. It’ll be difficult to sleep tight with that annoying dripping sound or with the knowledge that your home is no longer safe for you and your family. At the first sign of a leak, contact leak experts at Smart Sealed, a trusted sealing, waterproofing, and tiling company in Australia.