Why does bathtub leak

If you are seeing water pooling onto your floor as soon as the water begins to hit the areas where grout is, discontinue use until the tub can be re-grouted. Leaks directly from a bathtub body are pretty rare. As such, if you discover a leak in the tub body, discontinue use of that bathtub and have a plumber review the crack; in some cases you may need to replace your tub.

The overflow pipe is a mechanism designed to stop your bathtub from overflowing. It has a metal plate, and behind the plate a washer or gasket that helps keep water out. However, with age the metal plate can loosen, which allows the gasket or washer to age and crack.

If water continues to run behind the plate with a cracked, dried out washer, the water will not enter the overflow pipe and instead drip and leak.

Catching the problem sooner rather than later could mean the difference between a simple trip to the hardware store vs. Bubbles, peeling paint, or damp spots on the wall are sure signs you have a tub leak. Identifying the source of the problem may prove tricky depending on what kind of bathtub you have. You can decide whether to plunge in or leave it to the professionals.

Keep in mind some leaks develop slowly and go undetected for some time. The first step in narrowing down the problem is to test whether the leak is outside or inside the drain. Fill up your tub with a measurable amount of water. Check it after an hour to determine if the water level has gone down.

If it has, the leak is happening before the water drains. It may be your drain plug or drain seal. A bathroom is full of plumbing fixtures and is the source of many leaks. Some of the most insidious leaks involve the bathtub.

In many cases, bathtub leaks can go undetected for some time, which can lead to severe home or condo water damage and present other issues, such as mold. These risks make it necessary to fix leaks quickly, so take immediate action if you start to notice unwanted water in the area around your tub. While the damage caused by these leaks can be serious, many leak solutions are simple.