Whether you spotted water coming through the ceiling above, or have noticed that there is a build up of water on the floor every time you get out of the shower, a leaking shower is a huge pain, especially if it happens first thing in the morning when everyone is rushing to get ready for school or work. Many homeowners will immediately worry about the costs as well, as plumbing repair work can quickly escalate into something much bigger once the root cause of the problem has been identified, not to mention additional costs to fix any damage the water has done.

Showers often feel like one of the most common parts of the bathroom to go wrong, and it does not help that much of the plumbing is situated behind doors and walls, meaning that you cannot easily see the cause or put a quick fix like construction tape over the problem. If you have a leaking shower, your first priority should be tracking down the source of the problem. This will help you when you manage to get a plumber to the property, as you can give them a basis of information to work from so that they can get to work as quickly as possible.

So, if you have a leaky shower, here are three common reasons for the leak and how to spot it.

Cracks in the floor 

If the water is pouring through the bathroom floor at a rapid pace or concentrated in one location, it may be that you have a problem with the shower floor. The floor is often installed as a separate part of the shower, meaning there is the possibility for the joins to come away at the side and let water leak through. The common sign of a cracked floor is that the ceiling below will have a circular patch of damp or water on it, as the water is coming through to the same spot. To test for this, run a flashlight around the edge and check for visible cracks, check the sealant around the edge for any obvious signs of damage, and finally block the drain cover and fill the shower using a bucket. If the water still leaks out, you might have a problem with the shower floor.

Grouting problems

The grouting between tiles can easily become damaged over several years, and it is an easy way for water to come through the walls and seep down below the shower. To see if this is the cause, soak a sponge in water and methodically press it against the wall, checking every so often to see if the leak has started. If it has, you know that the problem lies somewhere in the wall you have already soaked. Repeat a few times to further identify the problem area.

A badly fitted shower

If the leak has been steadily getting worse, it may be that the shower has been fitted incorrectly and that over time as you have used the bathroom and through normal wear and tear the shower has dislodged, creating a path for water to flow. Check things such as doors are tight fitting when they are closed, and that the shower meets the wall vertically. A spirit level is useful here to identify serious issues.

For more information on leaking shower repairs, contact a professional.

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