Shower Pan Leaks Can Cause Serious Damage
The shower and bath area: It’s supposed to be wet, right? So when you see a little mold or a little mildew, your first thought may be that it’s no big deal. You then notice that there is a little more water accumulating round the shower area than there used to be, but you just assume that this is just because some water is escaping, or perhaps, you are being messier and less diligent about keeping water inside the shower enclosure.
Then you start to notice the areas outside the bathroom are wet, such as carpeted areas, or flooring. Now you realize you have a real problem. What you may have is a leak of the shower pan.
What is a Shower Pan?
A shower pan directs excess water from the shower, into the shower drain, preventing the water from just spreading into your floorboards and into the walls, among other areas. In plain terms, the shower pan is just the base of your shower. As you can imagine, if there is a leak, the water from the shower is not contained to the shower area, and can spread wherever it goes throughout your home.
Shower pans can degrade with time, but sometimes, pans that have not been properly installed can be problematic. They can often move and crack, and the crack that develops allows water to get through into your home.
Detecting a Shower Pan Leak
Sometimes it is easy to detect a shower pan leak, but other times, it can be much more difficult. If the leak is on the second floor, looking at the ceiling underneath the leak is a telltale sign of a leak. Unfortunately, rotted wood or damage to drywall can be much harder to see with the naked eye.
Other signs could be bathroom tiles near the shower that are loose, or carpet that is wet or moldy, that is next to the shower area (such as near a shared wall).
Mold is of course one way to tell that there could be a shower pan leak. Unfortunately, mold is also a sign that the leak has spread, and possibly, been there for some time. Mold also makes the problem much more difficult to repair.
What to Do if You Suspect a Leak
If you do have reason to believe you have a shower pan leak, you should contact a plumber first, to assess the damage. You should stop using the shower immediately, if possible. If there is damage, the walls and floor tiling inside the shower may need to be replaced. Of course, any areas that have been damaged by water leaks, will also need replacement.
You should not try to repair damage to the shower pan by yourself. The good news is that leakage from a shower pan is damage that is usually covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. However, you should act quickly when you suspect a leak, to make sure you don’t miss reporting deadlines in your insurance contract.
Contact the Miami property damage insurance attorneys at Velasquez & Associates P.A. today for help and a free consultation if you have a dispute with your homeowners insurance company.
