Water leaks are annoying and destructive. And if left alone long enough, they can wreak havoc on your entire home. If you’re planning a bathroom renovation but don’t know how or where to start, we’re here to help. You can help prevent water leaks by following these simple steps:
Detect Existing Leaks
If you suspect you have a leak in the bathroom, then your first step is to find the source. Examine any visible water damage and look for signs of mildew growth on walls or floors. You can also use a water leak detection tool to find leaks. These devices come in different shapes and sizes, but all work by sending out an ultrasonic pulse through the pipes. This pulse bounces back when it meets liquid or gas, indicating where there might be a leak present in your system.
If you don’t have access to a water leak detection tool, try using a dry cloth and run it along pipes or water lines. If the cloth comes up wet, tighten nearby pipes that are loose as a first step.
Inspect the Drainage System
To inspect the drainage system, look at the drain cover and what surrounds it. If there are any visible cracks or holes in the drain cover, they can be repaired with epoxy putty or silicone caulk. In addition, make sure to check for build-up of mold or mildew on the underside of your shower head and beneath your tub doors. These areas may need to be cleaned or replaced depending on the amount of build-up.
Replace Damaged Plumbing
It can be difficult to get a holistic look at your bathroom’s plumbing without a bathroom remodel. With a full bathroom remodel, you have the chance to inspect pipes thoroughly and check for existing and potential leaks. This should be done in order to replace old or damaged plumbing before it worsens in condition. Lead pipes located in older homes are also important to inspect. If there is any indication of lead pipe use during home inspection, it is best to consider replacing them with copper piping.
Waterproof Grout
Waterproof grout is the key to preventing leaks. It’s important to choose the right type of grout for your bathroom renovations, as standard grout can be susceptible to stains and mildew.
Epoxy grout is waterproof and almost completely stain resistant, making it ideal for floors and other water-prone areas such as splash backs. Epoxy also comes in a range of colors, so you’re free to choose the perfect shade for your space.
Grout is a material that bonds tiles together. It’s used between individual tiles on shower walls or tub surrounds. When installing new tile surfaces in a bathroom renovation project, it’s critical that you take steps towards waterproofing before applying any kind of porous material, since they can absorb water over time.
A bathtub and shower renovation is a big job. It can be overwhelming to think about all the work that needs to be done, but with proper planning and preparation, it’s easy to stay on track and get the job done right.
Looking for bathroom remodel or restoration help? Contact us at Hammer Restoration today!