Bath Tap Leaking? Causes, Checks & Fixes

Stop using the shower or bath if water is reaching ceilings, walls or electrical fittings

Isolate local water supplies where possible. Electric showers must be isolated electrically before any internal work, and temperature faults that create scalding risk should be treated as urgent.

MOST LIKELY CAUSES

Start with these

Washer or cartridge fault The spout drips when closed.

Base or deck seal leak Water passes around the tap mounting.

Flexible tail or pipe joint Hidden connections can leak under pressure.

Loose tap fixing Movement can disturb seals and connections.

◫ Symptom variations Match the exact pressure, temperature or leak pattern. ⌄

Spout keeps dripping
Water appears under bath
Tap body moves
Leak occurs only when tap runs
Hot or cold side alone is affected

✓ Quick checks Simple checks before dismantling shower or bath components. ⌄

Identify whether the problem affects pressure, temperature, drainage or leakage.
Check nearby hot and cold outlets for similar symptoms.
Clean accessible shower heads, filters and waste covers.
Inspect hoses, seals, trays and accessible joints.
Stop testing immediately if water appears below or near electrics.

If the cause is isolated: keep the affected fitting out of use until repaired.

If the leak is concealed or temperature is unsafe: arrange professional inspection.

1 Step 1 — Use the bath access panel Use controlled tests and stop if water reaches ceilings or electrics. ⌄

Process

Inspect below while the tap is dry.

Success looks like: The leak path is identified.

Escalate when: Do not use the tap if water is reaching electrics.

2 Step 2 — Test hot and cold separately Use controlled tests and stop if water reaches ceilings or electrics. ⌄

Process

Run each side briefly while observing connections.

Success looks like: The affected supply is identified.

Escalate when: A constant leak points to a pressurised connection.

3 Step 3 — Isolate before servicing Use controlled tests and stop if water reaches ceilings or electrics. ⌄

Process

Close local valves or the main stopcock.

Success looks like: The tap can be repaired safely.

Escalate when: Inaccessible or seized fittings need a plumber.

⌁ Common causes explained Why shower and bath faults develop. ⌄

A bath tap may drip from the spout, leak around its base or leak beneath the bath from tails, deck fittings, valves or hidden pipe connections.

Shower and bath faults often depend on when water is flowing, draining or hitting a sealed surface. Controlled separate tests help distinguish supply, mixer, waste and enclosure faults.

⌘ Advanced diagnostics Plumber or appliance-engineer checks. ⌄

Replace washer or cartridge.
Replace flexible tails or remake joints.
Renew base seals and fixing kit.
Inspect deck holes and bath surface.
Test all connections after reassembly.

▣ Parts that may need replacing Common components linked to this fault. ⌄

Tap washer
Ceramic cartridge
Flexible tail
Tap fixing kit
Base seal
Isolation valve

! When to call a plumber or engineer Conditions that should end basic troubleshooting. ⌄

Water is leaking through a ceiling or near electrical equipment.
The shower temperature is dangerously hot or unstable.
An electric shower has an internal heating or power fault.
The tray, bath or concealed pipework must be removed for access.
A thermostatic cartridge cannot be calibrated safely.
The fault returns after basic cleaning or seal replacement.

? Frequently asked questions Common questions about shower and bath faults. ⌄

Why does a shower drip after it is turned off?

Large heads and hoses can hold water temporarily. Continuous fresh dripping points to a leaking control valve or cartridge.

Can failed sealant cause a ceiling leak?

Yes, but waste joints, pipe connections and tray movement must also be ruled out.

Why does shower temperature change when another tap is used?

The hot and cold pressures may be unbalanced or the thermostatic cartridge may not compensate correctly.