How to Spot a Leaking Shower Early
A leaking shower can cause thousands of dollars in damage if left unchecked. At ShoweFix, we’ve seen first-hand how unnoticed leaks can silently damage floors, walls, and even structural supports. The good news? Catching the signs early can save you time, stress, and money.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the early warning signs of a leaking shower, what causes them, and how ShoweFix can help protect your home from costly water damage.
Why Early Leak Detection Matters
A slow leak might not seem urgent, but over time, it can:
Weaken bathroom tiles and grout
Cause mold and mildew growth
Damage the subfloor or ceiling below
Decrease property value
The sooner you detect a leak, the easier and cheaper it is to fix.
1. Damp or Musty Smells
One of the first signs of a hidden shower leak is a persistent damp or musty odor, especially in corners, cupboards, or adjacent rooms. Water that seeps into the walls or floor creates the perfect breeding ground for mold.
What to do: If the smell doesn’t go away after cleaning, you may have a concealed leak.
Expert Shower Repairs and
Installations Across New Zealand
When you need a leaky shower fixed, a shower door replaced, or complete installation. Our friendly, reliable, and no-nonsense team will be on the job and will provide quality services each and every time.
2. Loose or Cracked Tiles
Leaking showers often start behind the tiles. If you notice cracks, loose tiles, or grout that’s crumbling, water is likely seeping behind them.
Pro tip: Tap on the tiles. A hollow sound can mean the adhesive has weakened due to moisture.
3. Peeling Paint or Bubbling Walls
Moisture from a leaking shower can travel through walls, leading to peeling paint, swollen skirting boards, or bubbled plaster. These signs often appear outside the bathroom, on the other side of the wall.
Keep an eye on: Walls near your shower that look or feel different than the rest.
4. Water Stains on the Ceiling Below
If your shower is on an upper floor, check the ceiling below. Brown or yellow stains, sagging drywall, or even small drips are all classic signs of a leak.
Act fast: A ceiling stain means the leak has already penetrated multiple layers of your home.
5. Grout or Silicone Deterioration
Grout and silicone sealant act as your first line of defense against water. If you notice:
Moldy or blackened silicone
Gaps or cracks in grout lines
Water pooling around the base of the shower
…it’s time to take action.
6. Higher Water Bills
Sometimes the first red flag is an unexplained increase in your water bill. If your water usage hasn’t changed, but your bill has gone up, you might have a hidden leak.
What Causes Shower Leaks?
Common causes include:
Failed waterproofing membrane
Cracked tile grout or silicone
Movement in the building structure
Poor shower installation
At ShoweFix, we specialize in non-invasive leak detection and long-term repairs without the need to rip out tiles.
Expert Shower Repairs and
Installations Across New Zealand
When you need a leaky shower fixed, a shower door replaced, or complete installation. Our friendly, reliable, and no-nonsense team will be on the job and will provide quality services each and every time.