
5 Signs That Your Shower is Leaking
Oct 31, 2022
If you’ve been noticing water spots on your ceiling, or if mould is beginning to grow on your tiles, it might be time to give your shower a closer inspection.
Though they might seem harmless at first, leaks in your shower can actually cause a lot of damage to your property in the long term. Because of this, it’s important to identify and repair shower leaks as soon as you can.
To help you get on top of things, here are five major signs that your shower is leaking.
- Water on the bathroom floor
One of the most common signs that a shower is leaking is seeing water outside of the shower base. This can be caused by a few different things, including a cracked shower pan or a faulty seal around the shower door.If you notice water on the floor after you take a shower, it’s important to have the issue checked out as soon as possible. Otherwise, the problem could worsen and cause damage to your bathroom floor.Don’t hesitate to call a plumber for an inspection if the cause of the leak is not so obvious. A professional plumber will be able to thoroughly inspect your shower and identify issues that are invisible to the untrained eye.
- Mould or mildew between the tiles
Another thing you should be on the lookout for is mould in the grout-lines between your tiles. This is a good indication that water is seeping through your floors, causing bacteria to grow in the narrow gaps.In addition to being unsightly, mould and mildew can cause a variety of health issues for those with respiratory problems. Because of this, it’s important to address the problem as soon as possible.You can usually fix a shower leak by resealing the grout or replacing damaged tiles. Though it’s possible to do this project yourself, we highly recommend that you hire professional tilers to do the job for you. This will help you avoid subpar repairs that might cause problems in the long-term.
- Rust around the shower head
If you notice rust around the shower head, there’s a good chance that your shower is leaking. While a small amount of water leakage is normal, excessive leakage can waste a significant amount of water and lead to higher utility bills.To solve this issue, you will need to replace damaged seals and gaskets. In some cases, you may also need to replace the shower head entirely if the problem is severe.For a professional plumber, fixing a leaking shower is a relatively simple job. Because of this, it’s generally an inexpensive repair job that can save you a whole heap of trouble in the long-run. So, if you suspect that your shower head is leaking, be sure to contact a qualified professional as early as possible.
- Leaky ceiling below the bathroom
The shower pan is the horizontal surface that forms the elevated (or enclosed) platform of your shower. It’s usually made out of concrete, tiles, fibreglass, or plastic. Its main purpose is to contain the water within the enclosure while you’re taking a shower.If the shower pan cracks, however, it can cause water to seep through your floor. If your bathroom is on the first floor, the leaking water will seep through the ceiling below, causing problems like mould-growth, sagging, water spots and more.It’s important to have this problem checked out as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could be facing some serious repair bills down the road.
- Low water pressure when taking a shower
If you notice that your shower doesn’t have the same power as it used to, it’s a good idea to check for leaks. In many cases, a leaky shower will cause water to seep out around the shower arm before it’s able to reach the showerhead. This can lead to a lower water pressure.Decreased water pressure can also be caused by a number of other factors, such as a build-up of mineral deposits in the pipes or a blockage in the shower head. Regardless, if you notice your showerhead not outputting the same amount of water as usual, you should look to hire a licensed contractor as soon as you can.As you can see, there are plenty of signs to look out for when it comes to shower leaks. If you have any further questions or concerns about leaking shower repairs, be sure to consult your local plumber.