Why Is Water Leaking Through the Ceiling After a Shower?
Have you noticed water leaking after running the shower above? Are there any damp patches below one of your bathrooms? If so, you likely have a ceiling leak that needs attention.
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These types of leaks can be stressful, and they are a common problem many homeowners face at least once.
Even small leaks can lead to big problems if left untreated. Not only can they damage your drywall and foundation, but they can also lead to mold growth. Luckily, there are various ways you can fix a ceiling leak.
Learn what to do below.
Read more: What is considered a leak?
Determining the Source of the Leak
The first thing you should do is figure out what’s causing the leak in your ceiling. Knowing the source will make it easier to decide which solution is appropriate. That said, discovering the cause of a ceiling leak can be tricky.
Here are some of the common causes of seeping water:
Broken or Loose Pipes
Loose or broken pipes are one of the leading sources of shower leaks. Check your pipes for damage or dripping water to see if that’s what’s causing moisture to escape.
If you discover you have broken pipes, you’ll need to call your plumber right away to prevent any further water damage.
Broken Bathroom Tile
Although bathroom tile adds to your home’s aesthetics, it’s also practical for protecting your home’s structure. The tile helps prevent moisture from seeping into your walls and floor. Any cracks or holes could be the source of your shower leak. If the tiles themselves aren’t damaged, you may need to examine the substrate and grout.
Clogged Shower Drain
The shower drain is responsible for funneling water into the central sewage system. Ergo, a clogged drain can cause numerous problems for your home.
Whether it’s soap, hair, or other debris, you’ll need to unclog your shower’s drain so that it can function. Otherwise, the water can overflow and eventually cause wet patches that seep into the flooring and down into the ceiling of the room below.
You can typically unclog a shower drain and also bathtubs using boiling water, baking soda, or vinegar. If that doesn’t work, you may need to contact a professional plumber to inspect what’s causing the clog.
Broken or Outdated Shower Faucet
Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night to a relentless dripping sound coming from your shower? If so, you need to inspect your faucet.
Not only can a drippy faucet waste thousands of gallons of water per year, but it can also cause water damage to your walls and ceiling.
You can start by checking the gasket and o-rings, as they tend to be the usual suspects.
Read more: What causes a dripping faucet
How Do You Fix a Leaky Shower?
Finding the exact source of a shower leak can take some time. Once you know what’s causing the water to escape, you can implement the right repair strategy.
Here’s the best way to approach fixing a leaky shower:
- Start by shutting off the main water valve before attempting any repairs. Failing to do so could result in an even bigger leak or flood. If you don’t know where the main shut-off valve is, scan your home’s perimeter. It will typically be on the side of your home closest to the street.
- Check to see if the supply line connecting joints are loose for leaks around the walls or faucet. If so, try tightening them to see if that solves the problem. They don’t need to be extremely tight because that can cause them to warp. You can tighten them efficiently using your hands.
- If the issue is damaged tiles or substrate, you’ll need to replace both. Hiring a professional might be easier and faster if you don’t have good DIY skills.
- Try boiling water or a drain blockage solution if you suspect your shower drain is clogged. Plumbers might also use a plumber’s snake to remove the blockage.
If all the tips above fail, you’ll need to contact a professional shower repair company. They know exactly how to detect and fix shower leaks, and they will do so safely and prevent any further water damage.
FAQs
Can a Small Shower Leak Cause Much Damage?
Even mild leaks require attention and treatment. Water can be extremely menacing and cause expensive damage to your property if left untreated. Excess moisture can cause wood rot, mold growth, and structural damage to your drywall and supporting beams.
The worst part, leaks are incredibly good at hiding. You may use your bathroom daily without ever detecting an issue. Moreover, shower leaks often go unnoticed before it’s too late. As a result, you should seek a solution immediately after discovering a leaking shower.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix a Shower Leak?
The repair cost will vary depending on the gravity of the damage and which contractor you choose. That said, repairing a leaking shower is worth every penny if you consider the damage it can cause in the future.
For complete assurance, it’s best to contact a reputable plumber to inspect your shower and plumbing systems to see if there’s any cause for concern.
Conclusion
Discovering a leaking shower can be stressful, but you needn’t panic. Most of the time, it’s a small problem that you can fix quickly. However, you should still take every shower leak seriously and seek professional help from a reliable repair company. While you might be able to handle small repairs, a professional has the tools and experience to get the job done quickly and safely.
Do you have a stubborn leaking shower and need help fixing it? Contact our team here at All Dry today. We’ve helped countless homeowners with our water reparation services, and we’d love to help you too! Our team has years of experience handling shower leaks and various other forms of water damage.
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With Ben’s knowledge, and visionary leadership, All Dry USA has expanded into a national, full-service property damage restoration company with multiple locations across the United States. Ben holds numerous specialty licenses and certifications in restoration and construction.
