How to Spot Water Damage Underneath Your Shower Tiles
Tiles in contemporary kitchens and bathrooms are easy to clean and can handle moisture—most of the time. But what happens when they can’t? The water buildup underneath tiles can deteriorate the drywall behind the shower, erode the floor beneath it, and damage the tiles. It can result in costly repairs or the need to replace the entire floor. The problematic part is that water damage under shower tiles sometimes goes undetected until it is too late to repair. You can’t see what’s producing the moisture, but there are signs that something is wrong. In this blog, you can learn how to spot water damage underneath your shower tiles if you are dealing with shower leaking through tiles, shower tiles leaking, or a shower leak behind tile. Prevent damage; call Tile & Grout Solutions if needed.
Why Water Under the Tiles is a Problem?
Tile flooring can handle water pretty well, but it is not entirely waterproof. Even small cracks allow moisture to seep in, damaging tile adhesive and waterproofing. Water can seep beneath tiles as the grout between them deteriorates and cracks over time. This leads to mould, structural damage, and costly repairs. Continue reading to learn more about how to spot water damage underneath your shower tiles.
7 Signs of Water Damage to Your Shower Tiles
It is tough to detect water damage due to shower leaking behind tiles, but once you do, you can find out if you need to have your shower repaired or tiles regrouted. Watch for these indicators:
Loose or Shifting Tiles
Spongy or loose tiles indicate that there has been water damage to the bathroom floor. Water may damage the glue, causing tiles to lift with time. You would need expert assistance to check underneath your tiles and talk about the next stages. Water can also damage your subfloor as well.
Presence of Mould
Mould grows in dark, moist places like the bottom of your tiles, bathroom walls, ceilings, or bathroom fixtures. Mould can form within 24 to 48 hours of water penetrating the area. If you notice green or black stains along the grout line, as well as a fresh musty smell, you should contact a mould removal professional.
Persistent Musty Smell
If you feel a wet, musty smell that won’t go away, it is possible you are dealing with water damage beneath your bathroom tiles. Examine the grout lines carefully for any fractures. holes or an uneven look. Cement-based grouts are porous, and if not correctly sealed, water can seep underneath.
Stains or Discoloration
Stains and cracks are some classic indicators of water damage. If you see any new stains on your grout lines after a leak or spill, there is a high chance that water is trapped beneath your tiles.
Hollow Sounds When Tapping Tiles
Give your shower tiles a quick tap to see if they have suffered from bathroom damage. If you hear a hollow sound when you step on your tiles, it is likely that water has seeped underneath and separated the tile from the substrate. If you hear hollow sounds, it is a sign of tile problems; contact a tile repair company or expert.
Excessive Water Buildup
Water damage under your tiles may not always be visible, but there are frequently small indicators that something is wrong. One indicator is an excessive amount of water buildup around the tub or shower area.
Tile or Flooring Warping
You will notice broken or uneven tiles once the water penetrates the subflooring. The subfloor warps and shifts, causing the tiles to slip or crack. If there is a lot of water on your bathroom flooring, it may bend, crack, or get discoloured. If you observe any strange changes in your flooring, it is time to get a skilled plumber.
How to Dry Out Water Under Tiles
Avoid expensive repairs by preventing water damage to bathroom tiles. This is how:
Check the Subfloor for Moisture
Remove a few tiles to examine the subfloor. If there is water buildup underneath the tiles, it can be repaired with a thorough grout cleaning or regrouting. If there is serious water damage to the subfloor, the flooring must be removed and replaced. You can do this yourself or hire an expert like Tile & Grout Solutions.
Annual Grout Sealing for Protection
Reseal the tile grout regularly with a high-quality grout sealant. A grout sealant prevents moisture from causing damage to the grout, reducing the chance of water buildup beneath your shower tiles.
Eliminate Any Possible Water Leaks
Make sure there are no leaks in your shower to avoid moisture buildup, which can become an ongoing problem. Check for leaks in plumbing equipment such as shower heads, faucets, bathtubs, and toilets on a regular basis. Check under sinks for P-trap leaks and watch for water stains, peeling paint, or warped baseboards near walls and ceilings.
Use Dehumidifiers for Moisture Control
A dehumidifier is a smart purchase in humid climates. It prolongs the life of your tile grout by removing moisture and keeping your shower dry, which reduces damage to the flooring beneath your tiles.
Replace Old Valves and Fixtures
Check valves near sinks, showers, and toilets for leaks. Replace old toilets, showers, and sinks to avoid leaks, save water, and update your bathroom.
Avoid Using Acidic Bathroom Cleaners
Never use acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon juice when cleaning your bathroom. Acidic substances can damage the structure of tile grout and weaken it, thus causing cracks and peelings. Always use a mild cleaning agent to protect your shower’s tile grout.
Keep the Drains Functional
A slowly draining sink can indicate a clog. Deal with slow-draining sinks promptly using drain-safe cleaners like vinegar and baking soda, or call a professional plumber to prevent water damage.
Provide Sufficient Ventilation
Proper ventilation prevents too much moisture. Let your exhaust fan run for some time to remove excess moisture, particularly if your bathroom has no windows. Wipe down the walls after every shower and keep the area well-ventilated to extend the life of your grout.
Use Bath Mats for Moisture Absorption
Water buildup outside of your tub or shower can be minimised with a basic bath mat or two if you share your bathroom with a spouse, family member, or roommate. Place bath mats next to tubs and showers to absorb extra water and protect floors. Mats should be cleaned and dried frequently to avoid mould.
Call a Certified Professional if There is Still a Leak
Poor installation, such as not sealing properly or using low-quality grout, can result in water damage behind shower tiles. It happens when the tile adhesive becomes weak and the grout cracks early. Contact an expert to restore the damaged grout. They will remove the tiles, repair the subfloor, and install new tiles and grout to prevent water from leaking through.
Final Thoughts
You don’t expect to find water damage in your bathroom. But without a plan about how to spot water damage underneath your shower tiles, home owners find themselves in the middle of a water catastrophe. When water ruins your bathroom, time is critical. Tile & Grout Solutions’ professional team offers professional leaking shower repair in Perth. Call our team for assistance at +61 407 642 773 or drop us an email at manav@tileandgroutsolutions.com.au if you think your bathroom has water damage. Don’t wait until the damage worsens—act now to protect your home and your health.
