Moisture and Air: Problems in Your Bathroom

Moisture and Air: Problems and Remedies
Moisture and Air: Moisture Problems
Moisture and Air: Air Quality Problems
Moisture and Air: Mold Problems
Moisture and Air: Find the Moisture Level in Your House
Moisture and Air: Problems in Your Bathroom
Moisture and Air: Problems in Your Kitchen
Moisture and Air: Problems in Your Bedroom
Moisture and Air: Problems in all Living Areas
Moisture and Air: Problems in Your Basement
Moisture and Air: Problems in the Attic and Roof
Moisture and Air: Problems in the Exterior Wall
Moisture and Air: Ventilation Options
Moisture and Air: Moisture Problems Summary

Typical Signs

• Condensation on windows.
• Condensation or staining on walls or ceilings.
• Water dripping from exhaust grill.
• Mold between ceramic tiles.
• Rotting window sills.
• Damaged gypsum board under windows.
• Bulging gypsum board.
• Peeling paint or wallpaper.
• Musty smells.
• Visible mold damage, staining or growth on floor or carpet.
• Curling floor tiles.
• Water pooling around toilet, sink or tub.
• Unexplained increase in water bill.
• Mold on walls or ceiling.
• Condensation on toilet tank.
• Mold under toilet tank.

You may not see signs in your bathroom, but the moisture may end up in other parts of your house.

Possible Causes

• Too much moisture in bathroom.
• Moisture from hot baths and showers.
• There is no bathroom fan.
• Bathroom fan not being used.
• Uninsulated fan ducts.
• Backdraft damper on fan housing inadequate.
• Leaky plumbing.
• Plumbing leaking behind walls.
• Dampness from wet bath mats, towels and drying clothes.
• Inadequate ventilation.
• Temperature kept too low.
• Seal lost around shower stall or tub.
• Uninsulated vent ducts.
• Uninsulated toilet tank.
• Not cleaning surfaces regularly. 

Practical Solutions

• Turn on fan when showering or taking a bath.
• Install a bathroom fan exhausted to outside (window only cannot be relied upon).
• Allow fan to run for 15 minutes or longer to allow removal of moisture.
• Squeegee or towel dry surfaces in shower stall or bath enclosure after use.
• Close bathroom door when showering.
• Install a humidistat that turns exhaust fan on and off automatically.
• Fix leaky plumbing.
• Supply adequate heat and ventilation.
• Caulk shower stall, tub and sink.
• Properly insulate walls and ceilings.
• Consult professional contractor for replacement of moldy walls.
• Have vent ducts properly installed.
• Remove carpet.
• Install a 6-litre toilet - these do not sweat.
• Clean surfaces regularly.