5 Tips for Making Your Bathroom Watertight

Moisture is something that every homeowner fears. But in bathrooms, it's inevitable. This raises the question: how do you prevent water from wreaking havoc in your home? Fortunately, water isn't dangerous so long as you keep it under control. To prevent leaking, mold, and other moisture-related problems, here are five easy tips for making your bathroom watertight.

Install an Exhaust Fan

The role of an exhaust fan is to remove excess moisture from the bathroom. It draws stale or humid air into the motorized blades and funnels it outside of the home. Turn yours on to remove moisture, odors, and contaminants such as cleaning product fumes.

Choose Waterproof Flooring

Choosing the right flooring for your bathroom can make all the difference. Popular options like hardwood, engineered wood, bamboo, and laminate aren't built for moisture-prone rooms and can warp or facilitate mold growth. The best flooring option for your bathroom is tile, preferably porcelain or ceramic. Both materials resist mildew and mold and don't decay. Vinyl is another sturdy option that's also highly customizable. You can get vinyl planks or tile that mimic wood, stone, ceramic, and other materials.

Use Caulk

Use silicone-based bathroom caulk on any cracks or holes to prevent leaks. Check countertops, plumbing fixtures, walls, floors, tubs, and showers often and mend as necessary.

Glossy Over Matte

There are various paint sheens to choose from. Matte is preferred for most rooms in the home, but for the bathroom, the glossier the better. Matte paint tends to streak and stain when exposed to moisture, while semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes hold up excellently in humid areas.

Maintain Plumbing

Maintaining your pipes is an essential part of protecting your bathroom from moisture. Once or twice a year, hire a professional to clean your pipework and remove any buildup from the drains. Other ways to protect your plumbing include keeping everything but toilet paper out of the toilet, using drain covers, and avoiding chemical drain cleaners—use a plunger, drain snake, or another less corrosive option instead.

Follow these five tips for making your bathroom watertight to keep moisture away. Simply choosing the right materials and taking preventative measures can protect your home from leaks, mold, and other dangers.