How to fix a shower leak

Whether it’s the dripping, the wasted water, or the resulting mould and mildew that’s triggered you to learn how to fix a shower leak, we’ll help you dry out in no time.

Not only are shower leaks an annoying issue, the cost of repairs soon add up if left untreated. Mould, dampness, and water buildup that can cause rot, damaged ceilings and roof collapse are just a few nightmares you don’t want to deal with.

Sadly, most severe shower leaks require a professional repair to avoid disastrous consequences; however, there is plenty you can do to help limit the damage before your plumber turns up to save the day.

So, without further ado, read on for our top tips and step-by-step guides.

How to fix a shower leak

Tools you’ll need for the job

• Rubber gloves
• Limescale remover
• A cleaning brush
• Replacement washers
• Screwdriver
• Plumbers putty
• Pliers

How to fix a shower drain leak

If you’d like to try and fix your shower drain leak without removing the pan, here is our cost-effective method.

Note: This method requires purchasing a new gasket from your local hardware store. Be sure to buy the right size!

1. Remove the drain cover using a flathead screwdriver to ‘flip’ it off it. a crosshead to remove the screws. Place these in a plastic cup so you don’t lose them.
2. Use your pliers to loosen the compression gasket in a counterclockwise motion. Pull it out of the drain and then remove the nut, which will be revealed, from the drain with pliers too.
3. Take your hacksaw and cut two vertical inch long cuts through the body of the drain. Next, you’ll need to slice through the flange but avoid the shower pad and pipe riser. (If this is sounding too tricky already, hire one of our professionals to do the job for you!) Once this is complete, you’ll need to use the flathead screwdriver to prise the shower drain body out of the drain and remove any plumbers putty.
4. You should now see the pan’s rim, which will need cleaning thoroughly. Use the brush to clean the drain opening too to make sure the new gasket installation goes smoothly.
5. Install the gasket by sliding it into the opening you’ve just created and cleaned. Then, take the plumber’s putty and smear it over the strainer body. Make sure there’s a generous amount under the rim too.
6. Take your new shower drain body and tightly screw it in clockwise. Clean up any residue and leave for 24 hours before taking a shower.

How to fix shower head leaks

One of the most common shower leaks is caused by a damaged head and/or faucet. Knowing how to fix shower faucet leaks is useful for simple fixes. However, if leaks aren’t resolved after using our following tips, it’s worth calling in a professional to help you.

1. If possible, remove the showerhead from the hose pipe.
2. Use your limescale remover to spray the showerhead and leave for an hour or so to dissolve any water residue.
3. Clean with a stiff brush and rinse thoroughly. Leave to dry.
4. While drying, check the washer (a small rubber disc) and replace if damaged, worn or cracked.
5. Reassemble all the parts and check whether the shower still leaks. If so, call in a professional to help diagnose the issue.

How to fix a shower pan leak

For leaky shower pans (the part you stand on), there are several steps you can take.

1. Replace the entire pan.
2. Clean and repair the grout to create a secure seal.
3. Apply a waterproof sealant.
4. Replace the liner underneath the pan, which is a tricky job that requires a confident set of skills. Why not hire one of our professionals to help you?

How to fix a shower leak behind the wall

Whether your shower is hidden or on show, leaky pipes cause wall damage such as mould, rot, and in some extreme cases, floor collapse. Stains, detached tiles and the smell of mould are all signs that there’s a leak behind the wall.

Before you attempt to tackle the issue yourself, we highly recommend calling a professional to sort the issue out safely and thoroughly. However, if you’re confident enough to take on this project, follow these steps:

1. Remove the shower plate to check the valve connections or remove some of the wall to inspect the piping and valves.
2. Use a saw to cut a small window into the drywall, which will allow you to inspect the pipes. A torch and small compact mirror will be helpful here.
3. Turn on the shower to see where the water is escaping. This will help you identify it better.
4. Dismantle the shower and fix the issue, be it the valve, shower arm or pipe that’s causing the leak. You’ll need to clean the joints, wrap any threads with plumbing tape, and replace the cartridge. If the valve is the issue, hire a certified plumber to fix the issue.

How to repair a leaking shower mixer valve

For those with a leaky shower mixer tap, you’ll need to repair or replace the cartridge by following these steps:

1. Turn off your water at the mains.
2. Drain excess water from your shower mixer tap and then remove the cover under the handle.
3. Use a flathead screwdriver or Allen key to unscrew the small grub, which will let you remove the tap handle.
4. Take off any rings or plates before unscrewing the retaining nut with a pair of pliers, revealing the cartridge.
5. Pull out the cartridge and make sure the replacement matches.
6. Line up the new cartridge and reassemble the parts in the right order.
7. Turn the water back on and test your shower. If it still leaks, hire a professional!

FAQs

How do I stop my shower from leaking?

Follow the steps we’ve outlined above or hire a professional to come and fix the issue.

Why is water dripping from my shower?

There are several reasons water drips from your shower. Damaged or worn seals, broken pipes or faucet issues are common causes. If our steps above don’t resolve the issue, it’s worth hiring a plumber to diagnose and resolve the issue.

How do you fix a leaking shower without removing tiles?

Depending on the cause of the leak, you can simply clean and reseal grout and shower pans. However, if the leak is behind the wall, you will need to remove tiles to fix the issue. If this is the case, hire a professional, who will make sure any damage is limited and avoid costly mistakes.

If you have another leak in your house, take a look at our guide to find out what to do.