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A leaking bath rarely announces itself clearly. Sometimes it's an obvious drip from a tap, other times it's a damp patch on the ceiling below that gives it away.

Here's how to work out what's causing it and what to do next.

Bathroom leaking through the ceiling? Act fast

If water is coming through the ceiling below your bathroom, this needs immediate attention.

1. Turn off the water supply to the area to limit further damage

2. Call a qualified plumber who can identify the cause and carry out the right repair

If you're not sure whether it's your bath specifically or a wider pipework issue, our guide to water leaking from the ceiling covers what else to check.

What's the most common cause of a leaking bath?

There are four common culprits:

Worn or damaged seals - the sealant where your bath meets the wall has a limited lifespan. Cracks or gaps let water seep through over time. See our guide on how to reseal a bath if this sounds like your problem.

Loose or worn fixtures - taps and spouts can work loose or degrade over time, leaking from their connections.

Cracks in the bath itself - less common, but even a hairline crack can let water seep through and cause damage underneath the bath over time.

Pipe issues - corrosion, wear, or a poorly fitted connection on the pipework beneath the bath can all cause leaks. This one's often only spotted once water starts coming through the ceiling below.

Why is my bathtub leaking underneath?

A leak underneath the bath usually comes down to one of two things:

• Sealant failure - check the condition of the sealant around the bath edges to rule this out

• Leaking pipes - the waste pipe, overflow pipe, and P-trap are all potential weak points, whether from a loose connection, damage, or a blockage

Watch for early warning signs too - curling vinyl flooring, lifting tiles, or peeling paint near the bath can all point to a slow leak that hasn't fully surfaced yet.

Need peace of mind? Every Checkatrade job is backed by the £1,000 guarantee.

Up to £1,000. Eligibility criteria and T&C’s apply.

Why is my bath tap dripping?

A dripping bath tap is annoying, and left alone it'll push up your water bill. The usual causes are:

• A worn washer - the seal that keeps water contained can dry out or degrade over time

• A defective cartridge - found in monobloc taps, controlling flow and temperature together

• A damaged O-ring - the small rubber ring sealing the tap's spout

• A broken valve seat - if corroded, this can cause leaks around the spout

Fixing common tap problems – what’s wrong and when to call a plumber

Why is it when you have a tap problem it's always at the worst possible time? Let's take a look at the common tap problems and find out what is going wrong with your tap. You may be able to fix it yourself with this guide's help, or know when to call out a professional.

Learn more

Why is my pop-up bath plug leaking?

If your bath won't hold water properly, the pop-up plug mechanism could be to blame:

• Misalignment - the plug isn't seating securely over the hole

• A worn gasket - degrades with age, breaking the seal

• A faulty mechanism - the internal workings that operate the plug can wear out

What's causing my bath waste or overflow leak?

The waste pipe carries water away when you pull the plug, and the overflow pipe takes excess water once the bath is full.

Both can develop leaks from a loose connection or damage, and in either case, water escaping here can end up travelling through the ceiling below if left unaddressed.

What to do while you wait for a plumber

Turn off the water supply to the area and try to identify the source using the troubleshooting above. In the meantime:

• Position a waterproof container to catch dripping water

• Use towels to mop up any excess

• Run a fan or dehumidifier to speed up drying and reduce the risk of mould

Need reassurance? All tradespeople pass up to 12 checks before joining, and we keep checking after.

Checklist: dealing with a leaking bath

Leaking bath checklist

• Identify where the leak is coming from

• Turn off the water supply if it's serious

• Dry the area to prevent mould

• Book a plumber for pipe or fixture issues

• Reseal if it's a sealant problem

• Check for early signs like lifting tiles or damp paint

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