Diagnosing a Leaking Shower and Preparing for Repairs

A shower is generally prone to damage over time. The constant moisture and flow of water in the space means potential leaks and other forms of damage. If you notice a leaking shower in your home, it is important to diagnose the problem early so you can seek out a plumber for repairs.

A leaking shower can cause damage not only to the surrounding floor but also to the ceiling of any underlying rooms and to any nearby fixtures. To catch leaking shower issues early, the following diagnostic steps should be taken by the plumber or other repair contractor.

Drain checks

Drains are common causes of shower leakages. Most drains are constructed so that they connect to a trap reservoir before they move down into the drainage pipes. These reservoirs are common areas that are prone to leakages. There could be cracks in the housing or a disconnection between the drains and the connecting pipes.

Plumbers will typically examine the trapping system for any weak links as they evaluate the need for repairs. A leaking drain will typically cause water to seep into the surrounding floor and the ceiling or walls of rooms that are underneath. 

Cracks in the shower walls

The walls of the shower can be another likely place for leaks to occur. If you have tiles that line your shower walls, there could be grout missing between the tiles, forming a passageway for water to seep into the cracks.

Cracks in the shower walls can lead to extensive damage to your drainage system when not diagnosed early. The water can affect the underlying pipes and inner walls, in addition to seeping into the surrounding floor. A plumber will typically inspect the shower walls for any leakages so they can seal them in time.

Leaks in the water supply

The fixtures that supply water to the shower area are also common culprits for leaking. Most connections that hold the fixtures in place consist of valves that are held in place by soldered connections. When the valve and its connections get loose, water can leak from the fixtures when the taps are turned on.

In most cases, the area around the shower head itself or the lining of the taps can get water damaged and result in leaking. Plumbers will typically inspect the sealing around these fixtures to ensure that water is not flowing through the cracks. Repairs may involve replacing the shower head or resealing the valves and fixtures.


Share