5 Tips for Determining a Shower Leak

8/28/2019 (Permalink)

A defective pan can result in a shower or bathtub leak

5 Tips for Determining a Shower Leak

Whether a shower or bathtub leak, it's often difficult to determine the cause. If you're a homeowner in Knightdale, NC, and you suspect you're dealing with a shower leak, here are five tips that can help you determine the answer.

1. Check for Signs of Damage. From loose flooring or tiles to peeling paint and discolored wood finishes, there are many signs of shower leak damage. Water stains can appear on the ceiling of a shower or the ceiling below it. Traces of mold may also appear on the walls and floor of the shower.

2. Check the Door or Curtain. Whatever the type of entrance to your shower, close or secure it and then run the shower for a few minutes. Pay attention to rubber gaskets, sweeps and caulking to see if the water breaches or seeps from these components.

3. Check the Grout and Tile. Old or crumbling grout and chipped or loose tiles can allow water to seep behind the shower walls and under the floor. Inspect the interior of the shower for any signs of damage or decay. If everything looks okay, then saturate each surface and look for water seepage.

4. Check the Drains and Fixtures. As with the grout and tile, inspect drains and fixtures for any kind of damage. Then, plug the drain, run the water for a short time, mark the water level, and check back later to see if it remains steady. If not, you may have a leaking drain.

5. Check the Shower Pan. Today, most residential tiled showers feature a plastic liner or pan between the tile and sub-floor. A defective pan can result in a shower or bathtub leak. Inspecting the pan entails removing the tile so make sure you revisit the water damage to see if it's consistent with a shower pan leak.

There are several ways to investigate a shower pan or bathtub leak. Of course, it's always a good idea to bring in a water damage detection and repair expert.