Leaking shower repair: How many problems will a leaking faucet cause you?

Dripping from a leaking faucet can be annoying, sure. And it’s not good for your water bill (or the environment). But beyond that, how big of a problem is this?

What damage does a leaking faucet cause?

If the leak is noticeable, you don’t have to worry – after all, the water is just dripping into the bathtub, which is designed to be wet. But all that excess moisture is a breeding ground for mold, which we know is dangerous to our health. Additionally, you may think that all the materials in your shower or bathtub are waterproof, but they are not. Not allowing water to pass through and remaining unharmed when exposed to it are completely different things. The main component of traditional tile grout and thin-set grout is Portland cement, which does not block water. Keeping a bathtub or sink constantly wet will cause degradation, even if the degradation takes some time.

Plus, as we know, it’s a waste of water and money: there’s a handy calculator online that shows that if you have a leaky faucet that drips 30 times a minute, you’re wasting 30 liters of water a day.

Also Read: Commercial Cleaning Services Dubai: Keeping Your Workspace Spotless

How to fix a leaking faucet

If the leak is visible (i.e. not behind a wall), it can be repaired quickly. Buy the following materials to repair a leaky faucet if you don’t already have them:

• Crosshead screwdriver
• Slotted screwdriver
• Wrench
• Needle Nose Pliers
• Hex key
• Faucet repair kit
• Cartridge or mixer rod
• Silicone grease for faucets
• Old rag

Before you begin, turn off the water in your home. Then:

• Open the shower tap all the way and let the remaining water drain out.
• Place a rag in the bathtub over the drain so that anything you drop doesn’t end up in the bottom.
• Unscrew the faucet handle (note that the screw may be under a cap in the center, which can simply be unscrewed).
• Remove the front panel behind the handle
• Pull the metal sleeve (or perhaps unscrew it).
• If you see a retaining clip on the top of the valve, remove it with pliers, but be aware that it may not be there at all.
• Using a wrench, grasp the nut at the base of the stem and unscrew it.
• Loosen the cartridge with a wrench and, if necessary, stop here to take it to the store and find a suitable replacement if you don’t already have one.
• If you have a new cartridge, slide it onto the empty valve and tighten it with a wrench.
• Reinstall the retaining clip, valve bushing, faceplate, handle, and shower cover.
• After you run your shower and check everything, if you still leak, you’ll likely need to call a plumber.

Numerous professional companies provide leaking shower repairs in Melbourne. You can choose the best one by comparing prices, experience, and efficiency.

Signs you have a hidden water leak

If your faucet or shower head is leaking into your bathtub or sink, then it is clear that you leak. But if you leak into a wall, you may not notice it right away. You should always be on the lookout for these nine signs of a hidden water leak:

• Musty smell in the bathroom, even after cleaning
• Mold in the bathroom (which needs to be removed to prevent it from spreading)
• Damaged paint or wallpaper such as blisters or stains
• Damaged walls, such as bubbles in drywall
• Moisture inside cabinets
• Damaged floor covering, be it sagging, cracks, or stains.
• Rocking, unstable toilet
• Loose faucet
• Stains on the ceiling

A leaking faucet might seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can lead to various problems beyond just water wastage. The excess moisture from a leak can create a breeding ground for mold, posing health risks. Additionally, it can damage materials in your shower or bathtub over time, even if they are assumed to be waterproof. Not only is it environmentally and financially irresponsible due to water wastage, but a visible leak is relatively easy to repair with the right tools and materials. However, hidden leaks can cause more significant issues, from a musty smell and mold growth to damaged walls and floors. Regular vigilance for signs such as musty smells, mold, damaged paint or wallpaper, and other indicators is crucial to identifying and addressing hidden water leaks promptly before they escalate into more extensive and costly problems.