How To Repair Leaking Shower: Step-By-Step Guide

You hop into the shower after a long day, and instead of a pleasant warm spray, you notice a persistent drip from the shower head, or worse, water seeping behind the panel. A leaking shower is more than just annoying; it can cause mould, damage, and higher bills.  

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to repair leaking shower faults clearly and safely. If you’d rather leave it to a qualified team, you can contact us on 01689 843 582 or 07341 559 662, or email info@highflowheatingplumbing.co.uk for expert help. 

Why Showers Leak (And What To Check First) 

When dealing with shower leak issues, understanding the cause is the essential first step. Common causes include: 

• A worn or damaged shower head or cartridge, leading to drips during or after use. 

• Faulty seals or grout around the shower tray or enclosure, allowing water to track behind the walls. 

• Loose connections in the pipework behind the wall, which may cause leaks once the shower is running. 

• Build-up of limescale or debris, preventing the correct shut-off of water flow. 

• Incorrectly installed or ageing mixer valves and diverters. 

At Highflow, we often find that what seems like a small drip can mask a larger plumbing fault. Always begin by visually inspecting the enclosure, tray, and fittings, then manage the water supply before proceeding with the repair.

 

Safety And Preparation Before Repair 

Before you dive into repairing the leak, make sure you: 

• Turn off the water supply to the shower or the entire property if needed. 

• Isolate the power if you have an electric shower unit. 

• Place towels or a bucket under the area to catch residual water. 

• Remove excess mould or soap build-up so you can clearly see seals and grout. 

• Have the right tools ready: an adjustable spanner, an Allen key (for some cartridges), sealing paste or silicone, plumber’s tape, and new seals or cartridges. 

These steps set you up for safe and efficient work, which we always recommend here at Highflow Heating & Plumbing, as safety and reliability are of utmost importance. 

Step-By-Step: How To Repair Leaking Shower 

Here’s a straightforward method we follow when carrying out shower leak repairs: 

Step 1: Identify The Leak Source 

Observe when the leak occurs, is it constant, only when the shower is on, or after it’s turned off? Remove the shower head and inspect for noticeable cracks or corrosion. Check behind the tray or enclosure if accessible. If the leak is hidden behind a wall, you may need to remove a panel or ask a professional to avoid causing greater damage. 

Step 2: Replace Or Repair The Shower Head And Cartridge 

If your leak originates from the shower head or spout: 

• Unscrew the head and inspect the washer or O-ring. Replace if worn. 

• If the mixer cartridge is leaking (a common issue in mixer showers), turn off the water, remove the handle plate, extract the old cartridge, and install a new one. Use plumber’s tape on thread joints. 

• Reassemble and test for leaks. 

Since we’re approved installers for major brands, we often find that a worn part is the root cause. 

Step 3: Reseal The Tray, Enclosure And Tiles 

A leaking enclosure can allow water to seep behind walls and cause more severe problems. To reseal: 

• Remove old sealant and clean the gap thoroughly. 

• Allow the area to dry fully (24 hours is ideal). 

• Apply new sanitary silicone in a continuous bead, smoothing with a finger. 

• Allow to cure before shower use. 

Proper sealing is something we stress to clients in Croydon and beyond; a small expense now saves costly repairs later. 

Step 4: Check Pipework And Connections 

If the leak originates from behind the wall, you’ll need to: 

• Remove access panel or tile as needed. 

• Examine pipe joints, elbows and connections for drips or rust. 

• Tighten loose fittings, replace damaged ones and use sealing tape or paste as required. 

• Turn the water back on and check. 

For many households in the South East, our 24/7 emergency plumbing service handles exactly this type of issue. 

Step 5: Final Test And Maintenance 

Once all repairs are done: 

• Run the shower for a few minutes and inspect for any droplets or water tracks. 

• Check around the tray, enclosure, and under the floor where accessible. 

• Consider using a stainless steel or good-quality shower head to minimise limescale. 

• Schedule annual checks. At Highflow, we include both plumbing and heating maintenance in our service plans. 

Regular maintenance will help prevent future leaks and prolong the lifespan of your system. 

When To Call The Professionals 

While competent DIYers can handle many minor leaks, you should call in professionals when: 

• The leak is hidden behind a wall or ceiling, making it difficult to access. 

• Water is penetrating structural elements or causing dampness. 

• The shower has integrated electronics (e.g., digital thermostats) and requires specialist handling. 

• You’re unsure of gas-safe credentials or complex pipework is involved (particularly if the leak is part of a combined heating/plumbing system). 

Here at Highflow Heating & Plumbing, we offer comprehensive plumbing and heating services (from boiler repairs to bathroom installations) across the South East, and guarantee the use of Gas Safe-registered engineers with decades of experience. 

Conclusion 

A leaking shower may seem like a minor issue, but left unchecked, it can lead to significant problems. By following the steps above, you’ll understand how to repair leaking shower faults, take the proper safety precautions, and either do a DIY fix or know when to call for professional support.  

If you’d rather leave the work to experienced engineers, we’re here to help. Call us on 01689 843 582 or 07341 559 662, or email info@highflowheatingplumbing.co.uk for an honest, upfront quote. Let us restore, repair and protect your home’s plumbing as only we can.