How to Spot and Fix a Leaking Shower Before It Is Too Late

How to Spot and Fix a Leaking Shower Before It Is Too Late

At Leak Hunters, we often see small shower leaks turn into major problems. What starts as a tiny drip can quickly become hidden water damage behind walls, under tiles, and even in rooms below the bathroom. Most people do not realise there is an issue until the damage is already there.

The good news is that early warning signs are easy to spot once you know what to look for. If you want to understand how to fix a leaking shower, we will walk you through simple steps you can take at home, as well as the situations that require our professional help.

How We Can Tell Your Shower Is Leaking

After years of working in leak detection across Newcastle homes, we have become very familiar with the most common signs. If you recognise any of these, your shower may already be leaking.

Damp or Soft Walls and Floors

If the wall near your shower feels swollen, soft, or warped, water has likely made its way behind the tiles.

Musty Smells or Visible Mould

A lingering damp smell or frequent mould growth usually means moisture is trapped somewhere it should not be.

Loose, Cracked, or Hollow Tiles

Tiles that move or sound hollow when tapped are often sitting on top of water damaged adhesive.

Stains on Ceilings Beneath the Bathroom

If your bathroom is upstairs, water stains or sagging plasterboard below is a major warning sign.

Water Pooling or Slow Drainage

Water that hangs around instead of draining can escape through gaps in grout or seals.

What Usually Causes a Leaking Shower

From our experience, most leaking showers come down to a few common causes.

  • Cracked or damaged silicone
  • Worn out or missing grout
  • Tile or shower base movement
  • A failing waterproofing membrane
  • Plumbing leaks behind the wall

Some problems can be handled with simple maintenance, while others require professional tools to diagnose accurately.

How to Fix a Leaking Shower

Here is our guide on how to fix a leaking shower, based on what works best in homes.

Re Silicone the Shower Edges

Old silicone that has cracked, lifted, or moulded will allow water through. You can fix this by removing the old silicone, cleaning and drying the area, applying new mould resistant silicone, and giving it time to cure. This is a great DIY fix for minor perimeter leaks.

Re Grout Damaged Areas

If your grout is missing or crumbling, water will always find a way through. Remove damaged grout, apply new grout, and seal it once it has dried. This works well for surface leaks but will not fix problems beneath the tiles.

Inspect Taps and Plumbing

If the taps continue dripping or you notice moisture behind a wall, the leak may be coming from the plumbing. These issues require a licensed technician or leak detection specialist, as they usually cannot be fixed from the surface.

Professional Leak Detection and Resealing

If you cannot find the source of the leak, that’s where we come in. At Leak Hunters, we use thermal imaging, moisture meters, acoustic testing, and other tools to locate leaks accurately. We can often repair showers without removing any tiles, which saves you money and prevents major disruption.

When You Should Call Leak Hunters

We support DIY solutions when they make sense, but there are times when professional help is the best option.

  • Damage has reached walls, flooring, or ceilings
  • The leak continues even after basic repairs
  • There is visible mould growth
  • You cannot locate the source
  • You want long term peace of mind

Our professional team can detect the leak quickly and repair it with durable solutions that prevent it from returning.

How to Prevent Future Shower Leaks

We always tell homeowners that a little maintenance can save a lot of money later on. Here are a few tips that help keep showers healthy.

  • Reseal grout and silicone every one to two years
  • Check tiles regularly for movement or cracks
  • Keep the shower drain clear
  • Wipe down wet areas to reduce standing water
  • Repair small issues before they grow

At Leak Hunters, we understand how stressful water damage can be. By learning the early signs of trouble and understanding how to fix a leaking shower, you can protect your home from bigger problems. If the leak is already causing damage or you want expert confirmation of the source, our team is ready to help. We can diagnose the issue quickly and repair it without unnecessary demolition. Contact our expert team today!

Local Newcastle Plumbers

Why Choose Leak Hunters

Welcome to Leak Hunters, your trusted local plumbing experts servicing Newcastle and surrounding suburbs. We are dedicated to providing top-quality plumbing solutions with a focus on customer satisfaction and exceptional workmanship.

Experienced and Licensed Plumbers

Our team of skilled plumbers is fully licensed and insured, with years of experience in handling all types of plumbing issues.

24/7 Emergency Services

Plumbing emergencies can happen at any time. That's why we offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services to ensure you get the help you need, when you need it.

Transparent Pricing

We believe in fair and upfront pricing. You’ll receive a detailed quote before we start any work, so there are no surprises.

Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed

Our commitment to excellent service means we won't consider the job done until you are completely satisfied with the results.

Comprehensive Plumbing Services

From leaky faucets to major pipe repairs, we handle it all. No job is too big or too small for our dedicated team.

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Enjoy exclusive discounts and loyalty benefits at Leak Hunters. Save more with our special offers and rewards program for returning customers.

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