How to Spot Hidden Water Damage Behind Lower West Side Shower Walls

Water damage behind a shower wall can happen when the shower’s tile, grout, or caulk don’t fully form a waterproof seal. As showers age, these elements are more likely to fail, allowing water to seep behind and create the right conditions for mold growth.

In other instances, a plumbing failure behind the wall like a loose faucet cartridge or leaking pipe can allow water to build up where it’s hard to spot, leading to significant home damage by the time it’s noticeable.

If you suspect that you have water damage in your bathroom due to a leaking shower, here’s a list of signs to look for that would indicate that water damage is occurring:

• Earthy Odor – A musty earthy odor is typically a sign that water getting trapped behind the wall. If you clean and the smell still lingers, or it returns quickly thereafter (especially after using the shower), it’s likely that water is leaking behind your shower.
• Soft Spots – If he walls or flooring around your shower are spongy or swollen, this is a clear sign of trouble. Water will soften drywall and flooring materials, making them softer to the touch, which means that if you notice this you should get help right away. Stop using the shower and call a local Lower West Side plumber for help.
• Bubbling or Discoloration – If your paint or wallpaper are bubbling, peeling, or yellowed near the shower, you probably have water getting behind your wall.
• Loose Tiles – If your shower tiles are shifting, cracking, or sound loose when you tap on them, that likely means the adhesive holding them in place has failed due to water buildup behind them. A licensed plumber can use a moisture meter to determine where water is hiding behind your tile work.
• Failing Grout or Caulk – Grout or caulk that’s cracked, peeling, or crumbling can not only be the cause of water getting in behind your shower but also a symptom of water being back there. That means that failing grout or caulk can not only kick off water damage but also compound the problem by making it much worse over time! Look for grout or caulking that’s dark colored, indicating the presence of mold growth. This is especially common in the corners of your shower along joints.
• Staining on the Opposite Side of The Wall – If your shower is located where there’s a shared wall with another room, look at the opposite side of the wall. If the other side feels damp or cold to the touch, has any discoloration, is softer than usual, has bubbling paint, or looks warped, that’s a clear sign that water is present within the wall. The good news is that a plumber will likely have easier access to get in there and fix the problem than if the shower was located alongside an exterior wall.
• Staining on the Ceiling Below – Similarly, if you notice any signs of water on the ceiling of the room below where the shower is located, you’ll know that the water damage is significant enough that it’s running down inside the wall to the room below. Stop using the shower right away and call an experienced Lower West Side plumber to come take a look.

When you suspect that you have water damage behind your shower, give us a call today at 1 (800) 674-9130 for help! Our Lower West Side plumbers help homeowners every day that are dealing with home damage due to plumbing problems. Find out why more Lower West Side homeowners choose us for their plumbing!