🚿🛁 Why Is Your Shower and Bath Leaking?

Top Causes & When to Call GladPro Plumbing Services

Cracked Shower Tray

A leaking shower or bath might seem like a small issue, but it can lead to significant problems: water damage, mould, rot, and even structural repairs. Whether you’re in Gravesend, Kent, Essex, or South East London, catching leaks early and knowing when to call a professional plumber is essential.

At GladPro Plumbing Services, we specialise in identifying and resolving all types of bathroom leaks — quickly, safely, and professionally. 💧🔧

🔍 Common Reasons Why Your Shower and Bath Might Be Leaking

Leaks can occur for many reasons — some visible, others hidden behind walls or under floors. Here’s a comprehensive look at what might be causing water to escape from your shower or bath:

1. 💦 Worn-Out or Damaged Sealant (Silicone Seals & Grout)

The silicone sealant around your bath or shower tray is designed to keep water from seeping into the surrounding areas. But over time, it can:

• Crack or shrink due to age or cleaning chemicals

• Become mouldy and peel away

• Leave gaps where water can escape

Likewise, cracked or missing grout between wall tiles can allow water to travel behind your shower walls or bath splashback, often unnoticed until stains or mould appear.

🛠️ GladPro Tip: Any discoloured or degraded sealant should be removed and replaced by a professional to ensure a watertight finish.

2. 🚰 Leaking Pipework, Waste Connections or Plumbing Joints

Water supply pipes and waste pipes can leak at connection points behind walls, under floorboards, or below the bath or shower tray. These leaks are often slow and hidden, but they cause major damage over time.

Common culprits include:

• Loose compression fittings

• Corroded copper pipes

• Faulty plastic push-fit joints

• Poorly installed or leaking waste traps

Warning signs:

• Water stains on ceilings below the bathroom

• Warped skirting boards or floors

• Persistent damp smells

Leaking Shower Waste Trap

3. 🛁 Cracked or Damaged Bath or Shower Tray

Even high-quality bath tubs and shower trays can develop cracks from movement, poor installation, or accidental impacts. Once cracked, water can leak underneath, soaking subflooring and even joists.

• Acrylic baths may flex if not properly supported

• Stone resin or fiberglass trays can chip or crack

• Hairline fractures often go unnoticed until real damage appears

4. 🚿 Faulty Shower Mixer Valve, Taps, or Shower Head

Leaking taps, shower heads, or mixer valves can waste litres of water and hide more serious internal leaks. Hard water (common in Gravesend, Kent, Essex and South East London) can worsen the issue by creating limescale buildup.

Problems may include:

• Drips from taps or shower heads

• Leaks from behind the wall plate or mixer valve

• Worn washers, cartridges, or valve seals

💧 Some leaks occur inside the wall, leading to long-term structural damage if not addressed.

5. 🧱 Failure of the Waterproofing Membrane (Tanking System)

Behind your tiled surfaces should be a waterproof layer, often called a tanking membrane. If this layer fails — due to poor installation, age, or movement — water can penetrate the walls and floor behind your tiles.

This can lead to:

• Mould growth

• Rotting floor joists or plasterboard

• Loose or dislodged tiles

Fixing this usually involves removing tiles, reapplying waterproofing, and retiling — something our team at GladPro is fully equipped to handle.

6. 🪠 Blocked Drains and Overflowing Waste Systems

A blocked shower or bath drain can cause pooling and overflow, which may appear to be a leak. Common blockages include:

• Hair and soap scum buildup

• Scale from hard water

• Incorrectly sloped or fitted waste pipes

Symptoms include:

• Slow draining water

• Gurgling sounds

• Unpleasant smells

A thorough drain clean or replacement may be needed.

📍 Your Local Leak Repair Specialists in Gravesend, Kent, Essex & South East London

If you’re looking for:

• Shower or bath leak repair

• Plumbing inspection

• Emergency bathroom leak service

You can count on GladPro Plumbing Services. Our experienced plumbers are local, qualified, and committed to getting the job done right the first time.

🛠️ When Should You Call GladPro Plumbing Services?

Here’s when you should get a professional plumber involved:

✅ Visible water damage on walls, ceilings, or flooring

✅ Persistent leaks despite DIY resealing or drain clearing

✅ Mould, mildew or musty odours near your bath or shower

✅ Unexpected spikes in your water bill

✅ You’re unsure where the leak is coming from

🚨 Leaks don’t go away on their own — and the longer you wait, the more expensive they can become. Let our experts take the pressure off.

👍 Why Choose GladPro Plumbing Services?

✔ Fully qualified and insured professionals

✔ Transparent pricing and honest advice

✔ Local to Gravesend, with coverage across Kent, Essex, and South East London

✔ Emergency callouts available

✔ Tidy, respectful and efficient service every time 🧰🏠

📞 Get Expert Help Today

Don’t let a bath or shower leak cause unnecessary stress or damage. At GladPro Plumbing Services, we use advanced tools and years of experience to detect, diagnose, and fix bathroom leaks — fast.

📍 Serving: Gravesend, Kent, Essex, South East London

📞 Call Now: 07375702735

🌐 Visit: www.gladproplumbingservices.com

📧 Email: Gladproplumbingservices@outlook.com