Why is My Bathtub Leaking?
Have you ever noticed that there’s ALWAYS water in your bathtub?
Or that there’s always water on the floor of your bathroom near the bathtub?
Chances are there’s a leak in your bathtub or the plumbing that’s associated with it. In which case, you need to find the leak and have it eliminated!
The Faucet Needs Attention
If you find that the faucet won’t stop dripping or it’s leaking from where it connects, you’ll need to remove the faucet to inspect it more closely. Shut off the water lines going toward your tub (both hot and cold) and proceed to remove the faucet.
Once the faucet has been removed, inspect the gaskets and washers at the connection points. These may be worn out and could need replacements. If this is the case, replace the gaskets and washers, and reinstall the faucet.
If the faucet continues to leak, you may need a new faucet altogether.
The Seal Has Been Broken
Every few years, the seal that seamlessly connects your bathtub to the wall should be replaced to ensure no water gets in (or out). The last thing you want is a mold problem…
Like all maintenance, start by shutting the water off that leads to the tub. Allow the tub to completely dry before beginning work, otherwise, the new grout or caulk won’t properly seal.
Whether you use grout or caulk, strip all of the old remaining sealant so you can start fresh. Apply the new sealant and allow it to dry for a few hours before turning your water supply back on.
The Tub is Starting to Crack Up
Your jokes are starting to pay off! Just kidding, your bathtub is cracking up because of increased wear and tear (or some type of sudden impact). These cracks can cause water to travel through them, worsening the condition of your tub.
Turn the water supply off and dry your tub to the best of your ability. Once dry, begin applying a waterproof bathtub sealant to the areas riddled with cracks. Like the sealant around your tub, this waterproof version needs a few hours to dry before you turn the water supply back on.
Finish the job by sanding down the areas where you applied the waterproof sealant, so your tub has a silky, smooth finish.
None of the Above Options
Your tub is still leaking, but it doesn’t have anything to do with the faucet, seal, or cracks in the bathtub itself.
Now what?
Chances are you have a plumbing leak behind the tub that needs to be repaired immediately. Contact your local plumber ASAP so you can have this fixed before your home falls victim to water damage or mold.
(And when we mean your local plumber, we mean us! Because we want to be YOUR plumber!)
