Is your bathtub faucet dripping long after you’ve finished bathing? If so, you might have a leaky bathtub on your hands. Unfortunately, a leaky tub can quickly lead to significant water damage and mold growth.
But finding the right solution starts with determining the cause behind your bathtub leak. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common causes behind a leaking bathtub, from faucet issues to drainage problems.
You can use this information to ensure that your bathtub is in tip-top shape!
What Causes a Leaky Bathtub?
Is your bathtub leaking water from its faucet or from around its base? If so, you could be experiencing issues related to:
- A dripping faucet
- A faulty drain seal
- Rotten caulking
Determining which of these culprits is responsible for your leaking bathtub can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. Without further ado, let’s discover where that bathtub faucet dripping sound is coming from.
A Dripping Faucet
A leaky bathtub faucet is one of the most common causes of constantly-wet bathtubs. Fortunately, most faucets only need a new layer of plumber’s tape or a replacement washer to stop dripping.
A Faulty Drain Seal
The drain seal in your bathtub keeps water flowing from the drain into the drain pipe. If the seal comes loose, water can seep out into the dirt, flooring, or foundation surrounding the drain.
This type of leak can be particularly challenging to identify. However, if your bathtub drains slowly and is leaking, a faulty drain seal could be the issue.
Rotten Caulking
If your bathtub is leaking water from around its base, the problem might be rotten caulking.
Caulking is a sealant that keeps water from entering the space between your wall and bathtub. Over time, it can wear away, revealing open gaps and spaces leading toward your unprotected drywall and flooring.
When water gets into these tight spaces, it can lead to minor flooding and major mold damage. Be sure to take a close look at the caulking around your tub. If you see cracks in the caulk, it’s time to apply a new seal.
Dangers of a Leaking Bathtub
Now that we’ve explored some of the most common causes of bathtub leaks, let’s take a moment to discuss the potential dangers of a leaking bathtub.
After all, a dripping faucet might be annoying, but a flooded bathroom floor can be disastrous. Some of the most costly and hazardous consequences of a leaky tub include:
- Mold growth
- Ruined cabinetry
- Widespread water damage
While you might be able to catch some of these problems before they get out of hand, others might be more challenging to detect. Consequently, it’s best to keep an eye out for signs of these issues if your bathtub is leaking.
Mold Growth
One of the biggest challenges of maintaining any bathroom is fighting back against mold growth. That’s because moist spaces are prone to developing mold. And bathrooms are some of the most humid areas of our homes.
When your bathtub starts leaking, water can spread throughout your bathroom more quickly, either via the air or surfaces. These wet areas can quickly become a haven for mold colonies.
While many common types of household mold aren’t particularly toxic, some can significantly impact your respiratory health. For that reason, it’s vital to keep your bathroom as dry as possible.
But if your tub is constantly leaking, enjoying a mold-free bathroom could be impossible.
Ruined Cabinetry
Most bathrooms have cabinets to store toilet paper and personal hygiene items. These might be located next to your bathtub, or they could be on the opposite side of the bathroom.
Either way, a leaky tub can slowly ruin your bathroom cabinets. That’s because excess bathroom moisture can cause wooden cabinets to rot away from the inside out. Sitting water can expedite the rotting process.
If you’d like to extend the lifespan of your bathroom cabinets, you’ll want to fix any leaks before they become streams.
Widespread Water Damage
When the caulk sealant around the edge of a bathtub rots away or corrodes, water can escape into the area between your tub and wall. Water can also collect beneath your tub and seep through the flooring.
Not only can this sitting water lead to mold growth, but it can also cause significant and widespread water damage. For example, water moving beneath your bathroom tiles can escape into carpeted areas.
When this happens, you may end up spending several hundred dollars on carpet cleaning and drying services. You might also need to repair your bathroom walls and foundation.
Preventing these pricey repairs could be as simple as fixing your leaky bathtub at the first sign of trouble.
How to Fix a Leaky Bathtub
Are you dealing with a leaky bathtub? If so, you’ll want to fix the leak right away. Otherwise, you could end up spending hundreds of dollars on mold remediation and home repairs!
Luckily, fixing a leaky bathtub is a straightforward process. You’ll just need to:
- Discover the cause of the leak
- Contact an experienced plumber
Discover the Cause of the Leak
Sometimes, the cause of a leaky bathtub is obvious. A leaking faucet, for example, is an obvious culprit. But some causes are more challenging to detect.
If your faucet isn’t dripping, you might want to check the caulking around your tub. Cracks or splits in the caulking could signify that your tub isn’t properly sealed to the wall surrounding it.
But if the caulking looks great and you can’t determine how your bathtub is leaking, you might want to opt for immediate professional assistance. After all, a faulty drain seal can be challenging for homeowners to fix.
Contact an Experienced Plumber
While you might be able to attempt a DIY repair for a leaky faucet or poor caulk seal, you may need professional assistance for other types of bathtub leaks.
Fortunately, catching and repairing a leak is far more affordable than dealing with the fallout of a long-term leak. Your local plumber might be able to find the cause of the leak and fix it within the same day!
Naturally, the key to finding the best plumber in your area is to check out online client reviews and compare quotes. Don’t be afraid to schedule a bathtub inspection if you’re unsure of the cause behind the leaks.
Keep Your Bathtub From Leaking
A leaky bathtub can be a nuisance that causes significant water and mold damage. Discovering the cause of the leak and finding an applicable solution is the best way to fight back against a constantly-moist tub and bathroom.
If your bathtub has been leaking or collecting water, you’ll want to troubleshoot the cause of the leak. After that, you can either attempt a DIY repair or contact an experienced plumber for assistance.
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