A leaking shower is not just annoying - it can also waste a considerable quantity of water. In fact, fixing a leaking tap can save some £30 to £50 per year, so it’s certainly worth doing!
Showers can leak from the head, the mixer valve, the hose, or the tray. Read on to learn how to fix common leaky shower issues.
Reasons why your shower is leaking
Leaking Shower head
Shower heads can often be fixed without having to replace the entire unit.
How to fix a leaking shower head
The first step is determining if the shower head or arm is leaking. If the shower arm is leaking, the issue probably lies at the joint connecting the arm to the hose. You might simply have to screw the parts together tighter.
- Shut off the water supply to the shower head.
- Check any moving parts are tightly screwed/secured.
- Remove the shower head.
- Inspect the shower head for any signs of corrosion or damage.
- Use plumber’s tape to wrap the threads of the shower arm.
- Reinstall the shower head to the shower arm.
- Test the shower head.
If the leaking persists, you may need to replace the shower head, but always check the mixer valve first. Depending on the type of shower head you have, you may also need to replace the shower arm.
Leaking Mixer valve
Shower mixer valves are typically installed in conventional stand-up showers. However, if you have a bath shower, then the taps will probably be equipped with a diverter valve instead.
How to fix a shower mixer valve
To fix a leaking shower mixer valve, start by shutting off the water supply to the shower. Next, remove the handle from the valve by removing the screws that secure it. Once removed, you should be able to see the valve stem and the o-ring that is seated around it. If the O-ring is damaged or worn, replace it. If the O-ring looks decent, use a cloth to clean any debris around it. You can also apply a thin layer of plumber’s grease around the O-ring to help create a watertight seal.
If the shower is still leaking, there may be a problem with the valve, and it will likely need to be replaced.
To replace the valve, start by shutting off the water supply to the shower and disconnecting the pipes from the old valve. Make sure to note the position of the old valve so that the new one can be installed in the same place. Next, install the new valve, and connect the pipes to it.
Not all mixer valves are built the same, so the exact process will vary from model to model. In most cases, leaks around the shower valves are caused by:
- Worn seals
- Worn o-rings
- Worn or broken threads
- Debris, dirt or limescale build-up
Shower tray
The shower tray collects water from the shower and directs it down the drain. A leaking shower tray can be very irritating and difficult to detect.
Leaks underneath the drain could signal an issue with the plumbing, which will likely require professional attention. Otherwise, here’s how to fix a leaking shower tray:
How to fix a leaking shower tray
- First, identify the source of the leak. Check the joints around the shower tray to discover where it’s leaking.
- Seal the joints. You can use filler or a caulking gun to fill the joints around the shower tray, as well as any holes or cracks in the tray itself. Ensure all surfaces are completely clean and dry first.
- In some situations, you might need to remove the entire shower tray, e.g. if you’ve noticed drips coming through the ceiling.
Water supply
Leaks in the shower’s water supply are extremely tough to diagnose and fix. If pipework starts leaking in the walls, you might notice wet patches forming in the walls and ceilings. Wallpaper could bubble or stain, and in serious cases, the leak could cause plaster erosion and structural damage.
If you have a water meter, switch off all water-using appliances in the house and check the meter in 1 to 2 hours. Then, take a second reading in another 2 hours. You may have a leak if there’s a difference between the two readings.
How to fix a leak in the water supply
This is probably not a DIY job unless you have plumbing experience. The water supply usually runs in the walls, floors or ceilings, so you might need to excavate the floorboards, tiles and walls to access the pipework and locate the leak.
If you discover a leak near your shower but can’t see where the leak is coming from (e.g. not from the shower mechanisms or shower tray), then it’s highly advisable to call us on 0208 722 7072.
Grouting issues
Showers are watertight to prevent water from leaking into the surrounding area. Grout waterproofs tiles to prevent water from percolating into the walls. While grouting is highly durable, it can become worn over time or flake away.
How to fix grouting issues
Visually inspect tiles for grout issues. If you notice that the grout is missing, eroded or flaking away, replace it with new grout. You’ll need to match the new grout to the existing grout.
Before starting, ensure you clear the tiles of older grout - you might need to use a Dremel for this. Applying new grout is relatively straightforward.
- Remove old grout from the tiles.
- You’ll need grout, a sponge, a grout spreader, a dry cloth, and a plastic bucket.
- Apply the grout to the tiles with the grout spreader and sponge.
- Press it into the joints and remove excess with the sponge.
- Smooth out any ridges between the tiles.
- Clean tiles of grout with the wet sponge.
- Allow to dry.
- Buff the tiles.
Leaking shower FAQs
Why is my shower leaking from the bottom?
The most likely cause of a shower leaking from the bottom is a faulty shower drain or cracked shower tray. The seal between the shower wall and the shower tray may have eroded.
If the seal is not intact, water can escape from the gap between the shower wall and the shower tray.
What to do if a shower is leaking through the floor?
If the shower is leaking through the floor, it’s crucial to inspect the shower tray for any issues. If the shower tray looks fine, then the issue likely emanates from the drain.
The drain might’ve become damaged, or there could be an issue with a joint or seal. This likely needs professional attention from a plumber. If the leak is left unaddressed, it may cause serious structural damage. It’s almost always cheaper to fix the leak as soon as possible rather than letting it develop.
Where do most shower leaks come from?
Most shower leaks come from the shower mechanism itself. For example, the shower head or valves can become worn internally. Leaks can also come from poor grout or seals or occasionally from the shower drain or water supply.
How much does it cost to repair a leaking shower?
Leaks stemming from the shower head or valve are usually reasonably inexpensive to fix unless the entire unit needs to be replaced.
Leaks emanating from the water supply or shower tray are tougher to fix. In the worst-case scenario, walls and/or floors or ceilings will need to be removed to gain access to leaky plumbing behind the shower. When in doubt, call a plumber to provide a professional opinion.
