Any time that you notice water dripping from your ceiling, you should be concerned. Even if you do not see dripping, a dried water stain is also a telltale sign that you have some water issue that needs a licensed plumber’s attention. And when that moisture or sign of moisture is directly under your upstairs bathroom, there is a chance that you have a potentially significant water leak.

What If The Stain Or Moist Area Is Very Small?

Even a very tiny water leak should be considered a hazard. Constant moisture, along with the warm climate in your home, creates the perfect breeding ground for mold. In just 48 hours, mold can begin to invade your home when moisture is present. So the wise choice is to have any sign of a water leak checked out by a professional. It is better to catch a tiny leak before it increases and causes thousands of dollars in water and mold damage.

What Could Be Causing The Water Leak?

When you have a second-floor bathroom, many things could be causing the moisture you notice on your first-floor ceiling. In most cases, any water leak can be traced back to one of the following five issues:

1. Broken or loose pipes are the number one cause of water damage under a shower. In most cases, the leak is after the valve that turns on the shower, so you only notice the leak and moisture after someone has taken a shower.
2. Damaged tiles in the shower or tub enclosure are also a common cause of water damage. While the tiles are decorative, they also provide much-needed waterproofing for the shower or tub area. If tiles are cracked, or there is damage to the grout lines, water can be seeping behind the tile and running down the inside of the wall. The result is a small puddle of water that is soaking through your ceiling to create a visible stain.
3. A damaged shower faucet can also be to blame for your water damage. If the faucet continues to drip after the water is off, there could also be water leaking inside the wall. A damaged O-ring, washer, or gasket usually is to blame. A licensed plumber can easily repair it to avoid costly water damage.
4. A clogged drain can also be to blame for water leaking into your ceiling. If the tub pan overflows, the water leaks into the floor/ceiling and is visible from below.
5. A leaking gasket at the shower drain could also be to blame for the water damage. This gasket forms the seal between the floor of your shower and the drain line. If the gasket wears out and cracks, water will leak into the ceiling of your first-floor room.

There is one other possibility as well. If the person showering stands near the shower’s edge when dripping wet, water could be seeping down the joint where the shower and flooring meet. This is a simple issue to correct with some caulk and the use of a shower mat. But left uncorrected, it can lead to severe water damage and an infestation of mold in your bathroom.

Unless you have experience working with plumbing lines, the best choice is to call in the leak detection professionals at Thompson & Thompson Service Group. Our team of licensed plumbers has the tools and experience to locate even tiny leaks quickly and get them repaired before they cause severe water damage. Call (912) 549-1521 to schedule an appointment, and know that we will provide you with the answers you need and affordable solutions.