Shower leak sealant, grout, drain or tap
Is the shower leaking through to the ceiling below? Don't use the shower and call 070 783 0224.
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A leaking shower is the most common cause of a damp patch on the ceiling of the floor below. The good news: it's usually not in a pipe, but in sealant, grout or the drain. This can be repaired without demolishing the entire bathroom, if you find the right spot.
Short answer
If the shower only leaks during showering, it's almost always worn sealant edges, cracked grout, the shower drain connection or the trap. If it stays wet even when not in use, the problem is probably in the pipe to the tap. A leak inspection costs € 220 excl. VAT (€ 266.20 incl.).
- Only wet on the floor when showering: sealant, grout or drain
- Only wet when water hits the wall: sealant or grout in the wall
- Always wet: pipe or tap connection
Call me back
Leave your name and number and we'll call you. Prefer immediate contact? Call 070 783 0224 or message us.
How to find the direction yourself
- Only the drain. Pour a few buckets of water directly into the shower drain, without wetting the floor and walls. Does it leak below? Then it's in the drain or its connection.
- Only the floor. Wet the floor around the drain but not the walls. Does it leak now and not in step 1? Then it's in the sealant or the floor grout.
- The walls. Spray water against the walls and the corner by the tap. Does it leak now? Then it's the wall grout, the sealant in the corners or the seal around the tap.
- Don't use anything. Does it stay wet even when no one has showered for a day? Then it's more likely a pipe. Do the water meter leak test.
Wait a few hours between steps, as water needs time to seep through. Take photos of the ceiling below after each step. This allows us to proceed in a targeted way.
Where a shower usually leaks
- Sealant edges: sealant becomes hard after a few years, shrinks and comes loose from the tile or shower tray. Black mould behind the sealant is a sign that water is getting in. See also bathroom sealant work.
- Grout: cement grout is not waterproof; the layer under the tiles provides that. If grout is cracked or worn and that underlayer is not sound, water runs behind it. See re-grout bathroom.
- Shower drain: the connection between the drain and the floor or the waste pipe. With a walk-in shower, this is often where the cause lies. More about recognising it: recognising shower drain leaks.
- Shower tray: a cracked tray or a tray that moves when you stand in it, causing the sealant to keep splitting.
- Tap and pipes: a leaking connection behind the thermostatic tap or a built-in tap leaking inside the wall. Then it's also wet without showering.
What we do when the cause is known
If the sealant is the problem, we remove the old sealant completely, clean and dry the joint, and reseal with sanitary sealant. If the grout has come out, we regrout. If the drain is leaking, we remake the connection; sometimes a tile around the drain needs to be removed. If the waterproof layer under the tiles is damaged, more is needed: we'll then discuss whether part of the shower needs to be redone.
After repair, we recommend leaving the area to dry for a few days, then checking whether the ceiling remains dry. A ceiling below a bathroom often needs several weeks to dry out completely.
What does it cost to fix a leak at the shower?
| Item | Excl. VAT | Incl. 21% VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Leak inspection (moisture measurement, source tracing) | € 220 | € 266,20 |
| Leak detection including report | € 350 | € 423,50 |
| Install drain | € 75 | € 90,75 |
| Shower renovation: replacing cubicle and floor tiles | € 1.249,59 – € 1.512 | € 1.512 – € 1.829,52 |
| Renew sealant edges or grout | price after photos | in writing in advance |
Guide prices from the PandFix price list (October 2026). Call-out charge is additional: €35 excl. VAT (€42.35 incl.), emergency €65 excl. VAT (€78.65 incl.). Evening or weekend: surcharge €80 excl. VAT (€96.80 incl.). Materials and extra hours only by agreement. You will always hear the price before we start.
Questions about a leaking shower
My shower is leaking downwards. Does the bathroom have to come out?
Almost never. Usually it's sealant, grout or the drain connection. Only if the waterproof layer under the tiles is damaged does more need to be done.
How do I know if it's the sealant?
Loose, hard or black-discoloured sealant edges are a strong sign. Test it: wet only the floor without using the drain and see if it leaks below.
Can I reseal it myself?
Yes, if you completely remove the old sealant and make the joint dry and grease-free. New sealant over old sealant won't hold.
What does tracing a leak at the shower cost?
A leak inspection costs €220 excl. VAT (€266.20 incl.). Leak detection with report costs €350 excl. VAT (€423.50 incl.).
Water under the tiles: is that serious?
Yes, if it goes on for long. Water under tiles can damage the floor and the ceiling below. Don't let it continue.
Does insurance cover leaks from the shower?
Water damage is sometimes covered, but leaks caused by worn sealant or grout usually fall under deferred maintenance. It varies by policy.
