Leaks around the home can be incredibly problematic. Not only do these cause water damage, especially if they are unnoticed for long periods of time, but these can also cause higher water bills and structural damage. Leaking water from under the bath is a fairly common issue for households, but what are the causes of leaks under the bath? And how can these be resolved?
What are the common causes of leaks under the bath?
There are a number of different causes for leaks to occur under the bath and its important to identify and resolve these causes before more water damage can occur. These causes include:
- Improper installation
- Deteriorating seals
- Damaged plumbing connections
- Cracks in the bath
Improper installation can cause leaks under the bath
The single most common cause of leaks under the bath is poor installation. Water can seep through gaps and joints when a bath is not properly sealed to the floor and walls. This means that eventually the water will accumulate under the bath, and leak out from underneath it. This is usually caused by poor workmanship when the bath is installed and may be the result of shortcuts being taken in the installation process. This is why it’s so important to hire a professional team for your bathroom installation.
Deteriorating seals and caulk can cause leaks under the bath
As well as poor installation, deteriorating seals and caulk can lead to leaks under the bath. This is because seals are designed to prevent water from seeping between the bath and wall, and when these break down, leaks can be caused. Caulk and seals can be broken down over time due to the build up of moisture, cleaning chemical and temperature fluctuations, which is why its so important to repair and top up your sealant and caulk when you identify an issue.
Damaged plumbing connections
Another of the common causes of leaks under baths is damaged or broken plumbing connections and fixtures. If the drainage pipes, taps, or water supply lines are not properly connected, or if the washers are worn-out or the pipes are damaged, leaks, water can escape and accumulate in the area beneath the bath, over time. If you think this could have caused the leak under your bath, it’s important to hire a professional plumbing team to take a look.
Cracks in the bath can cause leaks
Finally, if the bath itself is damaged or cracked, significant and notable leaks can be caused. Baths can crack or fracture over time due to the temperature changes, heavy usage, or even poor build quality. While you might not notice these cracks visually, water can still seep through and gather below the bath. As a result, it’s important to inspect the bath for any signs of wear and tear or damage. This will help you identify any leaks early, preventing significant structural damage from the water.
Once your bath does start leaking, this regular water ingress will only make the problem worse. This is because the floor beneath the bath will become weakened or even rotted, due to the constant moisture. This can lead to a vicious cycle where existing leaks contribute to further leaks. As a result, addressing water damage promptly by hiring a professional team to repair the affected areas is essential.
To resolve your plumbing problems, you will need to hire a professional team, like us here at KAM Ltd. Why not get in touch today to find out more?