Common Causes of a Leaking Shower

Warning Signs of a Leaking Shower

Are you wondering why showers leak? The most common cause of leaking showers are:

1. Building movement or structural damage (especially on the second floor of a house)
2. Inadequate waterproofing (product application not done correctly)
3. Tiles laid too soon (waterproof membrane can’t dry before tiles are laid)
4. No fall to the floor waste (constant risk of water damage)
5. Shower screens are not sealed correctly (water easily escapes the cubicle)
6. Temperature and moisture changes
7. Poor workmanship from previous technicians

Many homeowners fail to realise that water damage can occur even in places with an expectedly high amount of moisture, like in bathrooms. Recognising the early warning signs of your shower leaking can save you from costly repairs down the line.

How To Tell Your Leaking Shower Is Causing Damage

One in three households in Sydney is affected by some sort of leaking shower problem. The best way to prevent costly repairs from occurring is to be aware of the warning signs of a leaking shower before it’s too late. The following are some of the signs there is damage for your leaking shower or tap:

• Mould, mildew or swollen skirting boards, dampness or cracks
• Paint peeling on bathroom walls or downstairs ceiling surface
• Damp, musty smell
• Wet carpet or wallpaper
• Stained timbers under the house or subfloor
• Cracked tiles or loose tiles on the floor or shower walls
• Missing grout & cracked grout in the shower recess

If you have any of the signs of damage, you may require repairs or replacement of your shower with the help of a Sydney plumber. It is always a good idea to make a note of when you identify any of the signs of damage.

Other Reasons For A Shower Leaking

Your leak may not necessarily be related to the waterproofing tile bed, grout, or floors. Shower leaks can also come from the shower head or leaking taps and how and where they are connected to the wall, as well as their age.

The good news is that once you determine the source of the leak, it can usually be fixed relatively easily. Before tearing down the walls and replacing all the tiles and shower recess, consider checking the shower head and taps first. It could save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration. Remember, small leaks can quickly become a big problem, so it's always best to address them sooner rather than later. If you can't find the source of the leak, our plumbers are experienced in water leak detection and can use CCTV to pin-point the source.