Your bathroom is one of the most used — and most moisture-prone — rooms in your home. With frequent exposure to water, steam, and humidity, it’s no surprise that bathrooms are a common place for water damage to start. The problem? It often goes unnoticed until it’s too late, leading to mould growth. Preventing mould is essential because it can not only harm our health, but also compromise the integrity of the building and lead to costly repairs.

Mould releases spores into the air that can trigger allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory issues — especially in children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Beyond health risks, mould can damage walls, ceilings, and other surfaces, leading to long-term structural problems.

It thrives in damp, poorly ventilated areas — so bathrooms are a prime breeding ground. Keeping bathroom moisture under control is key to maintaining a safe, healthy, and durable environment. To help you stay ahead of the damage, here are the early warning signs to watch for, so you can catch water issues before they turn into a mouldy headache.

Early Signs of Water Damage 

A musty smell that won’t go away.

If your bathroom smells damp or musty frequently, especially after cleaning, it’s often a sign that water has seeped into areas it shouldn’t. Mould and mildew thrive in dark, damp spots. Make sure to check areas that are out of sight, as they're usually less ventilated and more prone to trapped moisture — creating the perfect breeding ground for mould.

Peeling paint or bubbling wallpaper.

Paint or wallpaper bubbling, cracking, or peeling? That’s a red flag. Moisture behind the surface materials can cause adhesives to fail. This usually means water is getting in from a leaky pipe, loose tile grout, or poor ventilation. 

Soft or spongy walls and floors.

Gently press on walls or step on tiles — do they feel soft or unstable? Over time, water can rot wooden structures beneath floors and walls. If your flooring feels uneven or your walls are soft to the touch, it’s time to investigate what’s happening behind them.

Water stains or discolouration.

Brown or yellowish stains on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces could indicate a slow leak. These stains might start small and expand over time. Don’t ignore them! They're one of the clearest signs water is leaking from somewhere.

Loose or cracked tiles.

The tiles in your shower or around the tub are often exposed to water, so if you notice cracked grout, loose tiles, or missing sealant; this should be fixed ASAP.

Increased humidity or condensation.

Excess condensation on mirrors and walls after a shower is normal — but if it lingers long after, or you're noticing moisture without even using hot water, you might have hidden water issues or poor ventilation that allows moisture to build up.

Prevention Tips

• Ensure proper ventilation by using exhaust fans during and after showers — if you don’t have one, consider installing one as windows won't always produce adequate air flow.
• Clean and inspect tile grout lines for cracks or gaps. These may need to be sealed regularly to keep water out of cracks.
• Check plumbing connections under the sink and around the toilet.
• Consider using a liquid waterproofing membrane to fix leaks under tiles or within walls.

When in Doubt, Call a Professional

If you suspect water damage but aren’t sure where it’s coming from, it’s worth having a professional inspection. Early detection can save you from more extensive damage and costly repairs down the road.

Your bathroom shouldn’t be a source of stress. By catching these early signs of water damage, you can keep it clean, dry, and mould-free — just the way it should be.