Shower Leak Repairs: Finding the Source and When to Call
Shower leak repairs start with finding where the water is really coming from. Also, here are the common causes, what you can check yourself and when to call a plumber. Furthermore, our engineers explain the work in plain English before they begin.
The short answer
Most shower leak repairs come down to one of four sources: worn sealant or grout, a failing shower tray or screen seal, a leaking valve or pipe joint behind the wall, or a cracked waste connection under the tray. Also, sealant and grout problems are the most common and the cheapest to fix, but a leak inside the wall or from the waste can cause hidden damage. Also, you can call 020 3831 5477 at any time to talk it through.
The table below shows what each type of leak usually looks like. Also, still stuck with shower leak repairs? In addition, call Nobel Build & Repairs on 020 3831 5477. In addition, we give you a written price before any work starts. In addition, we tidy up fully before we leave.
What causes a shower to leak? The common sources
| What you notice | Likely cause | Usual fix |
|---|---|---|
| Water at the base of the screen or tray edge | Worn sealant or a failed screen seal | Re-seal or replace the seal |
| Stained or loose tiles, soft grout | Failed grout or tile joints letting water in | Re-grout or re-seal the area |
| Drip or dampness around the valve or hose | Worn washer, cartridge or hose connection | Replace the cartridge or hose |
| Damp wall or ceiling below the shower | Leaking pipe joint or waste connection | Locate and repair the joint |
| Water pooling under the tray | Cracked tray or loose waste connection | Re-fit the waste or replace the tray |
What you can safely check yourself
- Dry and test. Dry the area thoroughly, then run the shower in short bursts to see exactly where the water appears.
- Check the sealant. Look for gaps, black mould or peeling silicone along the tray and screen.
- Check the hose and valve. Look for drips at the hose connection and around the valve while it runs.
- Stop using it. If you find dampness on the wall or ceiling below, stop using the shower until it is checked.
When to call a plumber for shower leak repairs
Call a plumber if the leak persists after re-sealing, if you see damp or staining on the wall or the ceiling below, if the valve or pipes are dripping, or if the water bill is unexpectedly high. A small leak can soak into plasterboard and timber, so early repair is cheaper than fixing the damage later. In fact, if water is escaping fast, turn off the water at the stopcock and call us. Also, every job comes with our 6-month workmanship guarantee. Furthermore, there is no obligation to go ahead once you have the price.
How much do shower leak repairs cost?
The price depends on the cause. In fact, re-sealing a screen is a small job, while replacing a valve, cartridge or pipe joint behind a tiled wall costs more because of access. Furthermore, we give a fixed written price before work starts, so there are no surprises. Also, we are happy to answer follow-up questions after the visit.
How to prevent shower leaks
Re-seal the edges every few years, keep grout in good condition, wipe the screen seals after use and fix small drips early. Also, check under the tray and around the valve occasionally for signs of damp.
Further reading and trusted sources
Useful independent sources: CIPHE and WaterSafe. Also, see also our guides to water coming through the ceiling and why a tap keeps dripping.
Shower leak repairs: what to expect from us
If you need shower leak repairs, Call 020 3831 5477 and we will explain the likely cause and give a written price before any work starts. In addition, we cover London and the Home Counties and every repair carries a 6-month workmanship guarantee.
Why choose Nobel Build & Repairs for shower leak repairs
Our plumbers handle shower leaks every week. In addition, we quote a fixed written price first, protect your bathroom and guarantee our work for six months.
Related service: shower and bathroom plumbing repairs in London.
A few common questions
How do I find where my shower is leaking?expand_more
Dry the area, then run the shower in short bursts and watch where the water first appears. In fact, check the sealant, the valve, the hose and the waste in turn.
Can I fix a shower leak myself?expand_more
Re-sealing silicone or replacing a hose is a reasonable DIY job. In fact, leaks behind the wall or from the waste are best left to a plumber.
More shower leak repairs questions answered
Is a shower leak an emergency?expand_more
A slow drip is not, but water coming through a ceiling or fast leaks are. Furthermore, turn off the water and call us.
How long do shower leak repairs take?expand_more
Re-sealing is usually quick, while valve or pipe repairs behind tiles can take longer. Furthermore, we explain the work and price first.
Do you cover my area for shower leak repairs?expand_more
We cover London and the Home Counties, about 50 miles from the centre. Also, call 020 3831 5477 to check your postcode.
Need a plumber or locksmith?
Nobel Build & Repairs is CHAS accredited, SafeContractor approved and Constructionline Gold. In addition, we agree a written price before work starts and guarantee our workmanship for 6-months.