Key takeaways
- ✓ Musty odours, discoloured or soft walls, and bubbling drywall are early leak warnings — check under vanities and the sink trap, and repair leaks immediately.
- ✓ Cracked tiles, failing caulk and deteriorating grout let water into walls and under floors, so fix them promptly.
- ✓ Test the valves on sinks, showers and toilets regularly; wetness or staining around a valve usually means a leak.
- ✓ Only toilet paper goes down the toilet — wipes, nappies and sanitary products belong in a bin, or they'll clog your plumbing.
- ✓ Run the exhaust fan every time you shower, drain and wipe up standing water after use, and use bath mats to catch splashes.
Keep an eye out for signs of leaks
The earlier you catch a leak, the smaller the repair bill. Musty odours, discolouration on walls or flooring, and bubbling drywall are all classic warnings that water is going somewhere it shouldn't. Press on the walls to check whether any spots feel softer than the rest, look for leaks under the vanity, and don't forget the sink trap. If you find anything, track down the source and have it repaired immediately — small leaks don't stay small.
Fix or replace damaged tiles
Cracked, broken or loose tiles give water a direct path into your walls and under the flooring. Repair or replace them as soon as you notice damage, and give the same attention to the caulking along sinks, showers and tubs, and to any cracked or deteriorating grout — these seals are what keeps a wet room watertight.
Check your valves
Have the valves on your sinks, showers and toilets tested regularly to make sure they're in good working order. Wetness or staining around a valve is usually the sign of a leak — if you spot either, call a plumber to look into it before it grows into something bigger.
Upgrade old fixtures
Toilets are among the biggest water users in the home, and older showerheads can use considerably more water than modern efficient models. Upgrading tired old fixtures keeps your water use in check — and because newer fittings are less prone to failure, it lowers the risk of a leak turning into water damage down the track.
Keep drains clear
A slow-draining sink usually means a clog is forming. Try pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain first; if that doesn't shift it, call a plumber to inspect the trap. And don't let water pool and sit in the area around the sink — wipe it up before it finds its way into the benchtop or cabinetry.
Bin it, don't flush it
Apart from toilet paper, nothing should go down the toilet. Sanitary products, nappies and baby wipes all clog plumbing — keep a bin in the bathroom so there's always a better option. It's also worth choosing septic-safe toilet paper, which breaks down and dissolves easily.
Run the exhaust fan
Switch the exhaust fan on every time you use the shower or tub. It draws the excess moisture out of the room before it can settle into walls and ceilings, which heads off mould and odour problems. If your bathroom stays humid regardless, a small dehumidifier helps — the US EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity below 60 per cent, and ideally between 30 and 50 per cent, to keep mould at bay.
Drain and dry after every use
Drain all the water from the shower or tub when you're done, and wipe up any water sitting on the floor. Replace torn shower curtains, and fix shower doors with damaged seals — both let water escape onto the floor every single day, and that adds up.
Make use of bath mats
A simple one to finish: put bath mats on the floor to soak up the water you carry out of the shower or tub. They stop water building up on the floor and working its way into the joints and edges where damage starts.
Need a hand in Sydney or Regional NSW?
If your bathroom has already suffered water damage or mould has taken hold, One Prime responds 24/7 across Greater Sydney & Regional NSW. Talk to us about water damage restoration and mould removal — call 1300 774 631 or get in touch online.
Frequently asked questions
What are the early signs of a bathroom leak?
Musty odours, discolouration on walls or floors, and bubbling drywall are the classic warnings. Walls that feel soft when pressed, and wetness or staining around valves and under the vanity, also point to water escaping somewhere it shouldn't. Any of these deserves immediate investigation.
Why does grout and caulking matter so much?
The caulk along sinks, showers and tubs and the grout between tiles are the seals that keep a wet room watertight. Once they crack or deteriorate, water seeps into walls and under flooring with every shower, and the damage builds invisibly until mould or rot appears.
What shouldn't be flushed down the toilet?
Anything other than toilet paper. Baby wipes, sanitary products and nappies don't break down the way toilet paper does, and they're a leading cause of clogged plumbing and overflows. Keep a bin in the bathroom and choose septic-safe toilet paper.
How does an exhaust fan prevent water damage?
Every shower fills the bathroom with moisture-laden air, and without ventilation that moisture condenses on walls, ceilings and fittings. Running the exhaust fan during and after showers draws that moisture out before it can soak in, which prevents mould and lingering damp odours.
Sources & further reading
This article is general information, not medical or legal advice. Last reviewed 12 March 2019 by the One Prime Solutions team.