Blog>Expert Advice>Why is my bath leaking? - Solved

Last updated: 13 August 2024

Why is my bath leaking? - Solved

Here, we dig into why your bath is leaking and explore what can be done about it, helping to find a solution and prevent further water damage, fast.

Why is my bath leaking? – Solved
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A leaking bath can be stressful, especially when the cause is not obvious. It could be many things, which we'll explore right now for you.

Let's look at all aspects of a leaking bath; underneath, dripping taps, leaking plugholes, and waste leaks, and provide you with plenty of advice to fix the problem, fast.

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Help! My bathroom is leaking through the ceiling!

If your bathroom is leaking through the ceiling, it's important to act fast. This is a problem that needs immediate attention to help protect your home from further water damage.

1. Turn off the water supply

To help limit further damage, turn off the water supply to the area.

2. Call a qualified plumber

A professional plumber will be able to identify why your bath is leaking through the ceiling and recommend the necessary repairs.

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When you need an emergency plumber, speed is key. All our members have been checked and approved, helping to connect you with trusted tradespeople without delay. Search your postcode to find local plumbers you can rely on.

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Why is my bath leaking?

A leaking bath can cause water damage ranging from watermarks and mould to structural issues that can be costly to repair.

Understanding why your bath is leaking and getting the issue fixed is crucial.

What is the most common bathtub leak?

Typically, there are four common causes of a leaking bath:

1. Worn or damaged seals

The sealant around your bath, where it joins the wall, has a lifespan. Cracks or gaps in the sealant can allow water to seep through, causing a leak. Learn how to reseal a bath and how much this project might cost.

2. Loose or worn fixtures

The fixtures around your bath, such as taps and spouts, can loosen over time, leaving you with a leaking bath. They may also wear out, allowing water to leak from the connections.

3. Cracks in the bath itself

This is less common, but even the smallest crack in the bathtub itself can let water seep out. Over time, this can cause serious water damage underneath the bath.

4. Issues with the pipes

Corrosion, wear and tear, or poorly fitted connections can lead to leaks coming from the pipes underneath your bath. Unfortunately, this problem is often only identified when water starts dripping through the ceiling below.

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Why is my bathtub leaking underneath?

A bathroom leaking through the ceiling is one of the most concerning leaks.

It's generally due to one of two issues: the sealant or the pipes.

  • Sealant failure: As we touched on earlier, if the sealant around the bath is damaged or worn, water will be able to seep through. Inspect the integrity of your bath sealant to help rule out this issue

  • Leaking pipes: There are several pipes connected to your bath, including the waste pipe, overflow pipe, and P-trap. A loose connection, damage, or blockage can all lead to leaks

An experienced local plumber will be able to assess the situation, identify why your bath is leaking through the ceiling, and fix the issue to prevent further damage.

Search our leading directory to find reputable local plumbers near you now.

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Why is my bath tap dripping?

Another frustrating issue is a leaking bath tap. Aside from the annoyance of a constant 'drip, drip, drip' from the bathroom, it can lead to higher water bills and further plumbing problems if not dealt with.

Common causes for your bath tap leaking

Taps look sleek and streamlined, especially the modern varieties. However, inside, there are several parts that have the potential to cause a dripping bath tap.

1. Worn out washer

Washers are silicon-based seals that form a watertight seal when new. However, over time, they can dry out or become damaged, which can lead to a dripping tap.

2. Defective cartridge

Monobloc taps (where hot and cold water are combined into one stem) contain a cartridge that controls the flow and temperature of the water. The cartridge can wear out, causing a leaking tap.

3. Damaged O-ring

The O-ring is a small rubber ring that helps to seal the tap's spout. Again, if this is worn, loose, or damaged, you could end up with a dripping tap.

4. Broken valve seat

The valve seat sits inside the tap, creating a watertight seal between the water supply and the body of the tap. If this becomes corroded, it can lead to leaks around the spout.

bathroom tap being fixed

Why is my pop-up bath plug leaking?

Pop-up bath plugs are great when they work but can lead to leaks if they don't create a proper seal. Let's investigate the possible issues.

What might be the cause of your bath plughole leaking?

1. Misalignment

If the plug isn't seated securely over the plug hole, water will seep through. Rather than relaxing in a deep-filled bubble bath, you'll be sat in a shallow puddle.

2. Worn gasket

A leaking pop-up bath plug could be the result of a worn gasket, which can happen over time.

3. Problems with the mechanism

The mechanism that operates the pop-up plug can become faulty, stopping it from creating a tight seal.

Any of these issues can be fixed quickly and easily by an experienced local plumber. See who comes highly-rated in your area by searching your postcode, below.

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What's causing my bath waste leak?

The bath waste pipe carries water away from the bath when you pull the plug. However, if you have water coming out from under your bathtub, it could be the result of a bath waste leak.

The waste pipe under the bath can suffer from a loose connection, cracks, or blockages, all of which can have devasting consequences if not dealt with immediately. This can include the bathroom leaking through the ceiling, creating water damage in the room below.

Why is my bath overflow pipe leaking?

When the water level in your bath is above the overflow, water will flow down the overflow pipe, into the main bath waste.

If your bathtub is leaking underneath, it could be a result of your bath overflow pipe leaking due to a poor connection or damage.

What to do if a bath leaks through the ceiling?

Of course, any kind of leak has the potential to create water damage, so what should you do about it?

Turn off the water supply to the area, see if you can identify the source of the leak from our troubleshooting, above, and contact a plumber.

In the meantime, protecting and drying out the area around the leak will help to avoid mould growth and further damage:

  • Position a waterproof container to catch the dripping water

  • Use towels to mop up any excess water

  • Use fans or dehumidifiers to help speed up the drying process

Our guide to dealing with water leaking from the ceiling has further helpful information.

Find an experienced local plumber

For peace of mind and the reassurance of a job well done, contact a qualified local plumber to fix your leaking bath without delay. Enter your postcode, below, to get started.

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FAQs

Why is my bathtub leaking from underneath?

Leaks from underneath the bathtub can be caused by issues around the waste pipe, overflow pipe, or P-trap, which are normally caused by wear and tear, poor connections, damage, or blockages.

What is the most common bathtub leak?

The most common causes of a leaking bath are issues with the pipes, fixtures, or seals as a result of wear and tear, damage, or poor connections.

How do you fix a leaking bath?

How you fix a leaking bath depends on the cause. Minor issues, such as a worn-out washer on a bath tap, can often be fixed with a DIY approach. However, leaks that are caused by issues with pipework are best left to a professional plumber.

How to fix a leaking pipe under the bathtub?

Fixing a leaking pipe under the bath will involve removing the bath panel to access the pipes. A plumber will then repair or replace the section of pipework causing the leak and ensure all connections are securely in place.

How to dry out a leak under the bath?

Fans or dehumidifiers can help dry out a leak under the bath. If water has seeped into the floorboards, you may need to remove sections to dry out hidden moisture.

Why is my bathroom ceiling leaking?

A leak in your bathroom ceiling could be caused by the pipework above. Contact a local plumber immediately who can expertly investigate and fix the problem to prevent further damage.

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