Let’s face it: when it comes to water, the bathroom is probably the most susceptible room in your home for moisture damage. Water not only causes damage to the structure of your house, but it can also create mold hazards and thus harm your health. Here are a few tips to help you reduce the likelihood of water damage in your bathroom:

Exhaust fans – These are must-haves to keep the humidity levels low. They should always be used during and after hot showers/baths. There needs to be adequate air exchange for the size of the room. If you hold a tissue up to the unit, does the fan have sufficient power to grab it? Routinely clean the fans, and check the exterior vent to make sure it is clear and working. Another solution for taking moisture out of the air is the Tornado Body Dryer. You can go from a shower of warm water to being surrounded by warm air that dries you off.

Toilets – Keep an eye on your toilet bowl levels and look for signs of moisture around the floor, rim, and tank. If the floor feels soft, or the toilet rocks, you already have a problem and should call in a professional.

Tubs/showers – Again, a soft floor is a bad sign. Look for cracked or missing grout or tiles and check for seepage behind them. Replace them immediately. Make sure the caulking is mildew and mold free and continues to fill all joints between the wall, tub, and floor. If you clean off mold, and it comes back, it could be a sign that it is growing behind the wall where you cannot see.

Walls – Pipes are behind the walls, and there are a lot of them in a bathroom, so you want to make sure you are checking your walls for any warping, cracking, mildew or discoloration. This includes inside cabinets and vanities.

You also want to check the ceilings below bathrooms for any discoloration, moisture, or damage, and the walls to the rooms adjoining the bathroom.

Simply keeping an eye on things should help you catch most problems early. At the first sign of concern, call in a professional to make sure the damage has been fixed and your family stays healthy.

Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Matthew 6:33