Did you know that you may have a shower leak and not even see or know it? And when you do see the damage, it might be too late.
A shower leak can cause damaged walls, damaged plumbing fixtures, and even higher water bills. The most problematic leaks are the ones you can’t see that could cause serious internal damage. You can either fix it yourself or call aprofessional to do it, especially if you don’t have any experience or the right tools.
Signs to Look For
The first signs to look for when it comes to unseen shower leaks are water stains. These leaks can be pretty slow, so the stains may not show up right away. Also, if you are on the first floor and have a basement, an unseen shower leak may cause leaking into the basement.
Where is the Leak?
The first step to fixing a shower leak is to find where the leak is coming from. Remove the shower plate to see if you can inspect it. Most showers have an access panel behind in the wall which comes in handy. Or you can cut a window into the drywall.
To cut a little window into the drywall, use a stud finder. You will also need a reciprocating saw, flashlight, and a small mirror. Cut a 10 x 8-inch square. This is where you really want to look for stains and feel around the copper pipe for wetness to really pinpoint where the leak is. It helps to run a little water in the tub to see if it is just the drain leaking as well. Discoloration of the pipes is another sign.
Next, turn on the shower and look for more signs for where the leak is. You should be able to see where the water is trickling down. Keep in mind you might need to look all around, above, below, and to the side to find it. This is where your mirror will come in handy.
Using a Professional
Yes, we know this all sounds a little complex. That is why it is always best to use a professional plumber. A plumber in Gilbert, AZ will be able to come out and find the unseen shower leak much easier than you can. Plus, doing any type of plumbing yourself can lead to more damage and more issues.
The team at Simple Guide to Living recently used Rainforest Plumbing and Air to help fix a shower leak at their office. They continue to rave about the timely, accurate, and fair service they received.
Rainforest Plumbing and Air serves the great Phoenix area and are available 24 hours a day. From preventative maintenance to emergency issues, Rainforest Plumbing and Air takes pride in delivering honest and efficient service for all of your plumbing and HVAC needs.
About Author: Sudarsan Chakraborty is a professional author and blogger of many reputed sites. He loves to write on various topics basically on home and garden related topics.
