Many homeowners notice a bathroom leak and decide to watch it for a while. The problem is that bathroom leaks are often subtle in the beginning.
Dampness and mold are often the first visible results
Wall bases, door trim, grout lines, cabinet bottoms, and nearby structures can quickly develop mold and odor when moisture continues.
Later it often becomes a substrate or structural problem
Once the leak continues long enough, loose tile, damp framing, bubbling walls, and floor distortion become much more likely.
In multi-level homes it can also affect the unit below
If the bathroom sits above another unit, the leak may also affect ceilings and walls below, turning one repair into a broader responsibility issue.