It is easier for the bathroom to suffer water damage than any other part of the building. So all homeowners need to pay attention to signs of water damage like; dark stains, bowed or warped walls, a musty odor, peeling or bubbling paint, etc., in their bathroom.
Once you notice any of these signs, finding a good water restoration company in Seattle to examine the bathroom for water damage is the next step to take.
In this article, we will not only tell you how to repair bathroom water damage but also how to prevent it from happening.
How to Prevent Bathroom Water Damage
Water damage is usually a slow, gradual process. If you follow these steps, you can prevent water damage in your washroom.
Regularly Check The Floor For Water
To prevent water from damaging your bathroom, it is important to always check the floor after using the bathtub or taking a shower to ensure that all the water has drained. You can put a bathmat on the floor outside the shower to keep water off the floor.
Turn On The Ventilation Fan To Remove Any Stale Air
Doing this removes part of the moisture in the air from your bathroom, reducing the likelihood of mold and mildew growth from steam. In the event that your fan is damaged or malfunctioning, you should replace it without delay.
Make Sure The Pipes Are Working
Most pipelines are made of metal, and the constant flow of water can cause rust and leaks over time. Inspecting your pipes regularly and keeping an eye out for musty odors and water stains will help you determine if your home needs water damage restoration.
Avoid Over Using The Toilet
Overflowing toilets are a typical source of water damage in bathrooms and are a costly problem to fix. If you are careful enough not to overuse the toilet or continue using it while it is showing signs of leakage, you can avoid water damage.
How to Repair Bathroom Water Damage
Stop The Flow Of Water
This is the first step in fixing water damage. It would be best if you turned off the main water supply to the building while you were working.
Remove The Tilework Around The Damaged Spot.
Most water-damaged tiles can be removed by simply levering them with your hand. You may need a putty knife or chisel to remove tougher tiles. This needs to be done carefully so that they may be replaced once the wall behind them has been fixed.
Remove Damaged Areas
Draw a square around the damaged area and use a utility knife to cut in a straight line along the square you just drew. Use your hands to pry the cut-away from the surrounding wall carefully. The exposed studs should have all the screws and nails removed. In the event that the damage is near the toilet, you can repair it by cutting a circle around the flange with a jigsaw.
Fix The Rotten Studs
All parts of the studs that have deteriorated due to rot must be replaced. There could be a larger drywall patch that has to be removed. Make sure all rotten parts are removed.
Re-Drywall The Area That Was Damaged
Measure the damaged drywall so that you can replace it with new drywall of the same thickness. Replace the damaged drywall by cutting it to size and screwing it into place.
Closing Cracks And Screw Holes
Fill in screw holes as well as the space between the old and new drywall with drywall mud. Over the mud, place drywall tape, and then cover the tape with a thin coating of mud. After it has dried, please give it a light sanding to smooth any rough spots.
Reapply The Drywall Mud
You’ll need to apply extra drywall mud over the seam’s elevated bump a couple more times. Each time, sand to a smooth finish. Continue on to the next step when the hump and seam are no longer visible. The tiled wall should be painted to match the wall color.
Re-Tile The Wall
Once you’ve successfully patched the hole in the water-damaged bathroom wall, the tiles and grout should be replaced. Lastly, you’ll need to cut and install new base trim before using silicone to seal the inside edge where the drywall and tub meet.
If the repair is significant or you aren’t sure if you can do it yourself, it may be best to hire a professional.
