Plumbers 911 - Vermont
01 Jul

How to identify shower leaks behind a wall, and when you need a Vermont plumber

When you own your home, sometimes the invisible damage is the most costly. 

If you have a shower or other pipe leaking behind a wall, you might not discover the problem until the damage is done. In the end, besides the actual leak, you may be dealing with mold issues and may need to replace rotten drywall, studs and even the flooring.

Once you find the leak, you already have a plumbing emergency. Hidden shower leaks need to be dealt with right away by a licensed plumber like the contractors at Plumbers 911 Vermont. 

Signs you have a hidden shower leak

A common sign of a hidden shower leak is when you have a damp, musty odor in your bathroom you cannot get rid of, no matter how much you clean. You also may notice wet spots on your walls, floors or ceiling. 

Keep in mind that damp areas are not necessarily near the leak’s location. Water travels the path of the least resistance. The leak may be in one place and the puddle in another.

It could be so bad that water drips through to a lower floor. The problem needs to be addressed immediately by a licensed plumber available from the contractors at Plumbers 911 Vermont. 

The dangers of a hidden shower leak

A hidden shower leak is not good. First, it can lead to a buildup of mold and mildew, which can be a severe health concern, especially for those with asthma or other breathing issues. Mold can grow on wet drywall at least 24 hours after exposure. Any moldy drywall will need to be replaced.

Leaking water can also rot studs, struts and other supportive features in your wall. It can rot floorboards that will need to be replaced. Wood rot can lead to severe infestations of termites or cockroaches.

The sooner you catch a hidden shower leak; the less expensive the damage will be. We recommend having your home inspected by a licensed plumber if you suspect or notice a leak.

How to determine where your shower is leaking

The first step is to identify you have a leak, and then trace the leak back to its source. Tracing the leak can be tricky because the source is not always obvious. Look for dampness on the walls, on the floor or on the ceiling. You may notice a musty smell. 

Eliminate other potential causes first, such as a misplaced shower curtain or a mess caused by a child. Once you have identified or even suspect you have a leak, it is best to call a licensed plumber for further inspection. They are trained to spot the source of the leak and can get to the bottom of the problem before it becomes a disaster. 

Be prepared to cut into the walls to find the leak

Most modern homes have shower plates. The plates easily remove a portion of the wall near the shower that provides access to internal plumbing. This is the first spot you want to check for the source of the leak.

If your home does not have a shower plate, a licensed plumber will have to cut into the walls to search for the source of the leak. This may seem invasive, but it is the most proactive way to deal with the problem before mold and rot run rampant.

Call Plumbers 911 Vermont to address the leak

If your home leaks, a licensed plumber is the best option to identify the source of the leak and repair it before severe damage occurs. That is why we recommend never attempting to fix a hidden leak yourself. The stakes are simply too high.

The licensed plumbing contractors at Plumbers 911 Vermont have the skills and expertise to identify and repair leaks quickly. The sooner you call for a solution, the quicker the problem can be addressed and further damage prevented.

All our Vermont Licensed Plumbers are highly trained and vetted. They are drug tested, insured and bonded. Call Plumbers 911 Vermont for a trusted Licensed Plumber today!

 

To all our friends and customers regarding COVID-19

We will get through this together To say we are living in “unprecedented” challenging times would be an understatement. We hope this finds you and your family safe and healthy. We would like to list a few pieces of information and websites that we think will be helpful for you during this time.

  • To get the most current information on the COVID-19 virus, please check the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) website at: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/factsheets.html
  • icon showing hand under faucet with large water droplets falling on hand Please wash your hands frequently. Washing with soap and water for twenty seconds is the preferred method, however when water is not available, please use an alcohol based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
  • icon of person covering mouth while coughing and a border separating from displeased person close by Practice social distancing by staying at least six feet away from another person.
  • For those of you with children that are looking for something fun to do, there are virtual field trips you can take with your kids that are fun and educational. Here is a link: https://artsandculture.google.com/partner

Plumbers are considered essential workers during this time and we will continue to work as our number one priority is to “protect the health of the nation.” Stay well, stay safe and we will get through this together.

Your Friends at Plumbers 911

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