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5 Common Bathroom Leaks and How to Fix Them
Bathrooms feature more plumbing than any other space within a home. It may be fairly easy to come to the conclusion that you have a leak somewhere in your bathroom, but pinpointing the source of the leak is a different story altogether.
As you get to work, it is important to remember that many bathroom leaks will not the visible at their point of origin. Water may drip alongside a pipe before making itself apparent somewhere relatively far from its source. Before you replace your faucet or bathtub, keep in mind that they may not be the problem at all!
Here’s a look at 5 common bathroom leaks — along with some pointers on how to fix these leaks.
1. Faucet Leaks
A dripping and leaky faucet may not, at first sight, seem like a very big deal. A leaky faucet can, however, waste up to 3,000 gallons of water each year. This problem is usually easily fixed — simply replacing the rubber washer, which nearly anyone can do, can save you a whole lot of money! If a new washer doesn’t stop the leak, replacing your faucet is also relatively cheap. You’ll soon enjoy a “return on investment” in the form of significantly lower water bills!
2. Bathtub Drain Leaks
Bathtub drain leaks essentially fall into two categories; those you can fix yourself, and those you need a plumber for. If your bathtub drain is leaking, first try to reseal the drain assembly — remove the drain, apply plumber’s putty, and reinstall the drain. Should that not do the trick, the leak is likely situated within the plumbing underneath the drain. You’ll need to call a plumber.
3. Shower Head Leaks
Shower head leaks are another common problem within the bathroom — and a shower head that keeps dripping the entire time you’re not using the shower can easily waste over 500 gallons of water a year. Thankfully, this problem is usually easy to fix. You can try using pipe tape to secure a tight connection, and then use a wrench to tighten the seal. Should that not work, you can try replacing the shower head entirely.
Still experiencing a leak? Call a plumber. The problem most likely lies in a faulty cartridge within your shower valve, and replacing it will fix the problem.
4. Toilet Leaks
Toilet leaks are not only very common, they’re also the biggest water consumers in many bathrooms. A leak anywhere within or around the toilet could waste a shocking amount of water, and raise your water bill to unimaginable heights. You may be able to fix a leaking toilet by:
- Tightening the tee bolts around the base.
- Replacing the wax ring.
- Reinstalling the toilet, ensuring that it is level.
- Replacing the float.
- Replacing the refill valve.
When it doubt, turn to professional help — toilet leaks are not only unsanitary, but also extremely costly in the long run. When your toilet leaks water from the base, the tiling and underlying structures can be damaged over time, as well.
5. Sink Pipe Leaks
If the space directly below your bathroom sink is chronically wet, you may have a leak within your sink pipe. These leaks can quickly damage the bathroom cabinets as well as, in some cases, the tiling below. Take immediate action!
Some steps that may fix leaking sink pipes include:
- Tightening nuts.
- Applying plumber’s tape.
- Reinstalling a pipe that does not connect with the sink properly.
- Replacing an old pipe with cracks in it.
Bathroom Leaks: A Final Word
Whether you have no idea where the leak is coming from, or you’re pretty sure you know exactly what’s wrong but you have no idea how to fix it, remember that DIY is only a good option if you’re confident that you know what you are doing.
By trying to fix problems you don’t understand yourself, you risk making things worse. In the case of bathroom leaks, the consequences could be severe.
To fix an already-identified leak, a plumber is usually your best bet. Sneaky leaks are best identified by experience leak detection companies, meanwhile. Every moment the leak continues is one in which you waste water, spend money you don’t need to, and risk damaging your property. The faster you take action, the better!