Plumbing Issues That Can Leak And Leave Stains On The Drywall

Broken tiles and crumbling grout lines around the tub are a recipe for disaster. Water can become splashed on the walls or floor, and it easily finds its way onto sheetrock, especially when the bathroom is located on the second story. Tile-in soap dishes and benches in the shower are also notorious for causing leaks. If you have an access panel behind the tub, remove it, and use a flashlight to look for water stains, disintegrating pieces of drywall, or visible signs of liquid. Our family owned and operated company has been proudly serving Crofton, Bowie, and surrounding area residents since 1971. Slab homeowners can look around the brick ledge for discoloration. If these signs are present, they may indicate a leaking shower pan.

To perform a shower pan test the drain must become blocked, and in a way that does not let any water escape. The experiment usually takes place for 24-hours. However, it is typically performed while someone is going to be home because if water starts to dump out onto the floor, the plug needs to be removed from the drain quickly. To replace the pan the bottom tiles on the floor and walls will need to be extracted. Older pans were typically made from lead materials, but most of the new ones installed today are vinyl.

Overflow and tub shoe gaskets deteriorate with age as well. The rubber material gets brittle and allows leakage to occur. Stems with packing nuts can loosen, and the water will drip inside the wall, usually without anyone being the wiser until visible signs appear. Lead stubs with brass ferals often sustain cracks at the connection. These devices are utilized for kitchen and lavatory sinks, as well as in other drain applications throughout the home. This type of leak can cause significant amounts of damage in a short period, but because of the hidden location, extensive destruction to drywall, wood, and cabinets is done before it becomes noticeable. Don’t allow these leaks to destroy your home. Let our plumbers show you why so many residents rely on us for their plumbing repair needs, and together, we can protect your investment.