Leaks are common in homes, whether in the kitchen, bathroom, or other rooms with a water supply. They also commonly occur in bathtubs, causing inconvenience and financial losses to homeowners, especially if they do not detect the leak on time. However, while lay people can address minor issues, it is always better to rely on a plumbing professional to fix leakage issues.
So, if you find your bathtub leaking, it is best to contact a local professional who can address the problem as quickly as possible. This will prevent further damage to the floor and surrounding regions that a continuous water leakage can invariably damage.
Here are some common ways your bathtub might develop a leak and how you can address them.
- A damaged drain plug or cracks in the bathtub
Check the drain plug for cracks, rust, and debris, as these could be among the leading causes of a leak. The drain plug is usually located at the bottom of the tub. If it has any of these issues, consider replacing it with a new one.
Often, the first thing to do is look for cracks in the tub when you find leaks in the bathroom. These cracks can be caused by water pressure, the age of the tub, or rust damage, depending on the kind of tub you have. Sometimes, they may also be because of less sturdy bathtub material.
- Water damage to the floor
Water damage to the flooring is often a common culprit, and you can see the signs in the form of stains on the ceiling right under the tub. Wiping any excess moisture on the bathroom floor will help ensure that mold does not grow behind your walls or under your baseboards and tiles. In the meantime, addressing the leakage itself is paramount.
- Faulty hot and cold faucets
If you have a shower/bath combination, inspect the shower head and bath spout. If you have an individual tub, you will also need to check for leaks underneath it.
To do this, remove your drain stopper and look for signs of water pooling around it or stains on other parts of your tub. Sometimes there may be no visible evidence of leaking, so use a flashlight to examine areas where water could accumulate under cabinets or behind walls.
- Defective bathtub pipes
The wax ring must be replaced if you have a leak from under the tub. This is an easy fix and can be done by anyone with basic plumbing skills.
You should also check for leaks around the drain pipes. Over time, minerals in hard water build up on the surface of the pipes or overflow holes and cause small cracks, eventually leading to bigger ones. Consequently, they let water in through those cracks, when taking showers or baths with hot water running through them constantly day after day, year after year.
Call a plumber to fix the leak
Hiring a master plumber to address a bathtub leaking problem is crucial as they have the essential skills, tools, and experience to fix them. You can ask friends or family members for recommendations on good plumbers in your area or check online reviews of plumbing companies to find out who has the best reputation.
Lastly, some plumbers offer virtual services where they can guide homeowners through fixing leaks online in an emergency when it is not possible for them to come over right away.
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