Has your shower started to look a little worse for wear lately? Are the tiles losing their shine and the grout lines looking grimy? Well, before bathroom water damage ends up costing you big bucks in repairs, let us give you a rundown of the signs it’s time to overhaul your tired old tub space. From mold and mildew growing between tiles to suspicious wet spots appearing on the ceiling below, we’ll tell you what to look out for so you can get that renovated bathroom of your dreams before it’s too late!
What health issues can water damage in your bathroom cause?
A water-damaged bathroom may look bad, but it’s way more than just a cosmetic issue—it’s a serious health hazard. All that moisture creates the perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria. Breathing that stuff in on a regular basis can trigger respiratory problems like asthma attacks. Extended exposure may even lead to ongoing headaches or infections. On top of that, standing water is a petri dish for dangerous germs such as E. coli and Legionella, which put vulnerable groups at high risk. No one wants to be breathing in those allergens and illness-causing compounds pumping through an indoor air system.
Read More: Mold: Symptoms of Exposure, Risks, and More
Sign #1: Cracked or Loose Tiles
You know those tiles in your shower that just won’t seem to stay put no matter how many times you try to regrout them? Or maybe you’ve noticed a crack or two slowly spreading across your wall. As much as we try to ignore these problematic tiles, it’s a sign that it’s time for an upgrade! Loose and cracked tiles aren’t just an eyesore; they can also be a gateway for water damage behind the scenes. Rather than living with dangling tiles, call in the experts for an assessment. A professional can check the extent of the damage and help decide if your shower needs a simple tile replacement or full remodeling.
Sign #2: Discolored Grout
Has the grout in your shower started to look a little gross lately? If so, you’re not alone; grout does tend to deteriorate over time when exposed to moisture. Discoloration is a telltale sign that water has seeped in, allowing mold and mildew to form beneath the surface. Beyond just being unsightly, damaged grout could mean its adhesive properties have weakened, so it’s no longer acting as a proper barrier against water. The good news? With a quick inspection, a trained expert can diagnose how badly it’s degraded and advise the best fix, whether a simple cleaning will suffice or it’s time to regrout.
Sign #3: Leaks or Water Stains
Water leaks are one of the most common plumbing issues homeowners like you may face. Whether it’s dark spots forming on the ceiling below your shower or small puddles around the base of the shower door, excess water escaping the tub area is never a good sign. It doesn’t take long for a small leak to turn into a big problem if it isn’t addressed in time. An experienced contractor can pinpoint if your leak is caused by damaged tiles, failing grout lines, or a cracked shower pan and get you back to enjoying worry-free bath time asap!
Sign #4: Peeling or Blistering Wallpaper or Paint
If you’re noticing peeling wallpaper or paint around your shower space, don’t ignore it. This can be a sign that water is creeping behind the surface and causing damage. Some common culprits include cracked grout lines, a shower pan, or chipped tiles that’ve sprung a leak. Leaving it unchecked will lead to way more expensive repairs as the water causes wood to rot or mold to form. The professionals will track down the source of the moisture and fix it properly, so you’re not wasting water or creating an unwanted mess.
Sign #5: Musty Odors
When water gets into walls or behind fixtures from leaky pipes, overflowing tubs, or faulty toilets, the wood and other porous materials will start to soak it up. As the water sits and is unable to dry out properly, mold and mildew growth will begin. These types of microorganisms produce musty, earthy smells that permeate the bathroom. If a strong, musty odor seems to be getting worse over time instead of better, it’s likely an indication that water has gotten into an unreachable space. Identifying the source of the smell as soon as possible is important to prevent further deterioration and costly repairs from long-term moisture issues.
Do I need a permit to address water damage issues in my bathroom in San Jose?
Building permits are required in San Jose for most bathroom remodel projects, including those addressing water damage. This ensures the work meets safety and building code standards. The specific permit type and application process will vary depending on the extent of the remodeling. For water damage repairs, minor repairs such as replacing damaged fixtures, tiles, or drywall due to water damage might not require a permit if the work is purely cosmetic and doesn’t involve altering plumbing or electrical systems. However, if the water damage requires extensive work like replacing pipes, repairing subflooring, or modifying walls, a permit will likely be needed. You may apply for the permit through their online portal.
Let the experts at Nailed It Builders fix the water damage in your bathroom.
Are you facing bathroom water damage that seems impossible to fix? Don’t despair; let the professionals at Nailed It Builders handle it. They have years of experience successfully addressing all types of bathroom leaks and moisture issues. Whether it’s a stubborn toilet leak, shower drain problem, or whole-room flood, their team comes fully equipped and prepared to quickly and efficiently get your bathroom dry, repaired, and looking like new. If simple repair doesn’t cut it, their excellent bathroom remodeling service offers an all-in-one solution to not only do away with the water damage but also make it look modern.
Your trusted San Jose general contractor
Looking to enhance your living space but tired of lackluster results from previous contractors? As a premier general contractor and home remodeling expert based in San Jose, Nailed It Builders prides itself on providing unmatched quality, expertise, and customer service. Working with a San Jose general contractor you can trust brings peace of mind that your project will be expertly managed from start to finish.
Conclusion
It is important to be attentive to signs of bathroom water damage, such as cracked or loose tiles, discolored grout, leaks and water stains, peeling paint or wallpaper, musty odors, and stained or cracked floors. Ignoring these warning signs could lead to more severe issues like structural damage from rot, expensive mold remediation, and health problems from airborne molds and bacteria. Don’t overlook the health of your bathroom—inspect it regularly for changes so you can prevent costly repairs and protect your wellbeing. Addressing water damage right away will save you significant money and headaches in the long run.