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
Symptom variations Match the exact pressure, temperature or leak pattern. ⌄
- Leak appears only during shower use
- Leak continues after shower stops
- Ceiling drips near light fitting
- Leak worsens when standing in tray
- Only happens when water hits one wall
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.
Step 1 — Stop using the shower Use controlled tests and stop if water reaches ceilings or electrics. ⌄
Process
Avoid further water damage until the source is known.
Step 2 — Separate spray and drainage tests Use controlled tests and stop if water reaches ceilings or electrics. ⌄
Process
Use a controlled small amount of water to test tray drainage separately from wall spray.
Step 3 — Check accessible connections Use controlled tests and stop if water reaches ceilings or electrics. ⌄
Process
Inspect under-tray or adjacent access panels where available.
Common causes explained Why shower and bath faults develop. ⌄
A shower leak through the ceiling may come from failed sealant, the waste and trap, supply pipes, mixer connections, cracked grout or movement in the tray.
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. ⌄
- Pressure-test supply pipework.
- Inspect waste, trap and overflow joints.
- Test tray movement and sealant line.
- Assess grout, tiles and waterproofing.
- Repair ceiling only after the source is fixed and dried.
Parts that may need replacing Common components linked to this fault. ⌄
- Shower trap
- Waste seals
- Sanitary sealant
- Mixer connection
- Pipe joint
- Tray support component
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.