Bathroom Water Damage Restoration

6 min read

Water and bathrooms are inextricably linked. Despite their seemingly harmonious relationship, problems can arise when the water starts flowing outside your sink, tub, or toilet. This may be due to common plumbing issues such as leaking pipes and overflowing toilets.

If these problems are left to persist, the continuous seepage of water can lead to a wide range of problems, from dealing extensive damage to your home to creating hazards that threaten your and your family’s health.

The problem, however, is that these issues are more difficult to spot in a bathroom environment. More often than not, problems are left to persist until the damage is too great.

So, how do you find out if your bathroom has water damage? And what can you do to fix the issue?

Read on to learn what signs you need to look out for to spot water damage in your bathroom. We’ll also share water damage restoration tips to help you fix the issue the DIY way.

Signs of Water Damage

Water damage in the bathroom can be challenging to spot. Since your bathroom is water’s domain, any signs of water damage in Chicago North Shore often go unnoticed and are easily overlooked. Here are a few warning signs to watch out for:

• Musty Smell – most homeowners want their bathrooms to constantly smell fresh and clean, so the presence of a persistent damp smell should at least signal that something is wrong.
• Damaged Floors – constantly damp floors can lead to buckling, cracking, and staining. In extreme cases, moisture can reach your bathroom’s subfloors, causing the plywood underneath to rot.
• Crumbling Walls – warping or crumbling can appear when drywall is exposed to moisture.
• Microbial Growth – mold can grow on any bathroom surface due to continuous exposure to moisture and warm temperatures.

Bathroom Water Damage Restoration and Repair Process

When you spot the first signs of water damage in your bathroom, it is imperative that you act swiftly to prevent it from worsening by beginning the process of restoration in Chicago North Shore. Follow the steps below:

Water Damage Inspection

The first step in bathroom water damage restoration is determining the extent of your bathroom’s water damage in Chicago North Shore. This involves thoroughly inspecting all areas of your bathroom, including those frequently overlooked, such as under the sink, behind your drywall, or under the subfloor, to look for mold and other signs of water damage.

Call a professional restoration company immediately to schedule a complete inspection if you find signs of water damage in inaccessible areas.

Mold Remediation

Once the inspection confirms the presence of mold and determines the extent of water damage, you can begin formulating a strategy to deal with the problem, starting with mold. For a home remedy, a solution of ½ cup of bleach, one quart of water, and a small amount of detergent can be used to clean small amounts of mold.

But dealing with mold DIY-style is not recommended if the mold problem is extensive. Instead, it’s best to let a professional mold remediation and damage restoration team handle the job for safe and complete mold removal.

Site Preparation

After removing mold, you can begin your bathroom restoration project by preparing the worksite for renovation. Start off by shutting off your home’s main water valve to prevent further water damage in Chicago North Shore. Next, be sure to free up some space by disconnecting the toilet from the floor and the waterline.

Drywall Removal

Repairing your drywall may require taking out damaged portions and patching up. Use a hammer and keyhole saw to cut out portions of the drywall and remove the damage. Cut out the material in a circular or triangular shape to make it easier to patch. Use clips to hold the material in place and tape and joint compound to secure it. Sand it down to smoothen the new surface.

But if the damage to the drywall is too extensive, you will need to replace it entirely.

Floor Removal and Repair

The next phase of restoration is repairing damaged floors. Begin this process by removing tiles or vinyl to expose the damaged area. Next, keep this area safe by removing any nails, screws, and protruding baseboards from the floor and its surrounding areas.

Then, draw a straight line across the center of exposed joists on either side of the floor, which will serve as your guide later. Then, cut out the subfloor material using a circular saw. Allow sufficient time for the joists to dry.

Measure the floor area that needs replacing and cut out the replacement strand board or plywood. Use wood screws and adhesives to secure the fresh material while laying down replacement vinyl flooring.

Finally, install a concrete board over the plywood if you’re replacing the tile. Apply a thin-set router while laying the new tiles and let it dry. Finish the tile installation process by grouting the joints.

Fixture Installation

Finally, complete the restoration process by installing and replacing bathroom fixtures, such as the sink, cabinetry, toilet, or any other part removed. Once you’re done, clean up all the debris and ensure the water damage’s source has been addressed to prevent it from happening again.

If the scope of the restoration process is too great, consider hiring a professional service provider to handle the restoration in Chicago North Shore. Equipped with the right tools and protective equipment, a professional restoration company can safely and efficiently carry out the restoration process.

Preventing Bathroom Water Damage

Keeping your bathroom free from water damage involves controlling the moisture and dampness levels inside your bathroom. Here are some tips on how to prevent water damage in Chicago North Shore:

• Investigate and identify the reason for any discoloration on the walls and baseboards.
• Inspect the floor and wall tiles regularly for signs of damage on grout or caulking.
• Locate the source of the problem if your sink or tub drains slowly.
• Use absorbent bath mats to keep your bathroom floors dry.
• Replace shower heads, faucets, and overflow tub drains if they are leaky.
• Install an exhaust fan to control the humidity levels inside your bathroom.

Seek Professional Help When Dealing With Extensive Water Damage in Chicago North Shore

Your bathroom poses one of the highest risks for water damage in your home. Since it’s constantly surrounded by water, the threat of water damage looms. Despite this consistent threat, water damage can only occur if there are issues with your plumbing or water supply. Identifying and remediating these issues early can prevent extensive damage and minimize your costs of repair.

However, most plumbing issues often go unnoticed until they deal extensive damage that is often difficult to fix on your own. Restoration 1 of Chicago North Shore is here to cater to your water damage repair and cleanup needs. Our restoration specialists will get to the heart of the issue while restoring your bathroom to its previous condition. Deal with water damage efficiently and effectively with Restoration 1 of Chicago North Shore.