12 signs your shower may be leaking

If you notice signs of a leaking shower, contact us as soon as possible for an inspection. Early inspections can help identify the source of the leak and prevent water damage from spreading to surrounding walls, floors, or ceilings. Addressing leaking shower problems early can significantly reduce repair costs and prevent larger structural issues.

Common signs of a leaking shower include bubbling or peeling paint near the shower, cracked or lifting tiles, missing grout, mould or damp smells, and watermarks on ceilings below the bathroom. These warning signs often appear when water begins escaping behind the tiles or shower walls.

Yes. Missing or deteriorated grout between shower tiles is one of the most common causes of a leaking shower. Grout helps seal the gaps between tiles, and when it breaks down, water can pass through the joints and reach the surface behind the tiles. Over time, this moisture can spread behind the shower walls or floor and lead to hidden water damage.

It can be, but not always, especially if it appears near the shower wall, corners, or surrounding areas. When water escapes behind the tiles or through damaged grout or silicone, moisture can build up in the wall cavities and create the conditions for mould to grow. Persistent mould, damp patches, or musty smells can be warning signs of a hidden shower leak.

Watermarks on the ceiling below a bathroom are often a sign that water is leaking through the floor structure. In many cases, this can happen when water escapes from a leaking shower and travels through surrounding materials such as timber framing or plasterboard. If you notice stains, discolouration, or soft spots on the ceiling below the bathroom, it's likely a shower leak that needs an inspection and repair.

Bubbling or peeling paint near the shower usually indicates moisture trapped behind the wall surface. This can occur when water escapes from the shower through damaged grout, cracked tiles, or deteriorated silicone seals. As moisture builds up behind the wall, it can cause the paint to blister, peel, or bubble, which may be an early sign of a leaking shower.

Yes. Cracked or lifting tiles can allow water to penetrate through the tiled surface and reach the waterproofing layer or wall structure behind the shower. Even small cracks in tiles or tile joints can allow water to pass through during regular shower use. Over time, this can contribute to a leaking shower and cause moisture to spread behind the walls or floor.

Yes, they are. Silicone seals around the shower edges, screen, and corners help keep water contained inside the shower area. When silicone becomes cracked, brittle, or starts peeling away, water can escape through these gaps. Damaged silicone seals are a common cause of leaking showers and should be repaired before water damage spreads.