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Bathroom Sealant failing – leak under shower
We had a double storey extension three years ago. Soon after moving in, we found that our architraves next to the shower cubicle was getting damp at the bottom. The builder had a look and identified that he missed to seal the outside of shower cubicle and fixed it.
Three years on, the damp level is still raising although very slowly. The builder says that there are no pipes underneath and the issue is that we are putting too much water. I assured him that we aren’t as we don’t see any visible water around the architraves. But he doesn’t seem convinced and he isn’t even coming to take a look.
Any ideas on what could cause this dampness? We don’t find any obvious leak or wetness in the ceiling downstairs. The bathroom walls are fully tiled. Would going to a damp detection company help with this sort of issue?
I have attached couple of pictures from soon after the extension and now.
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7 Replies
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The shower room is in the first floor. We have wooden joists with a flat base on top of it. (Not sure what it’s called)
If there is a leak, it would show up int he ceiling. Wouldn’t it?
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I would have thought so, I was thinking more if it was a solid floor. Something is defo leaking isn’t it as the grout is a darker colour in the pic where it has got worse, so I suspect that might be it? Could it be a sealant or drain issue, overflowing shower tray etc?
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Also floors need a tilt for water to drain properly. It’s not usually visible but it might be worth checking.
You can buy damp detectors on Amazon etc it gives you a good reading so that you can have the reading before you get a plumber to take a look.
I hope it gets sorted.
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I had a damp detection company to have a look. Based on the reading, they have confirmed that there is a leak. They suspect it’s from the waste pipe. Seems like I need to get a leak detection company to have a look.
I am getting a plumber first to get some ideas.
Can’t believe I trusted the builder and lived with this leak for three years. I hope there is no major damage to the wooden joists or floor underneath.
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I’m sorry to hear that. Builders have such a bad reputation these days. I have outstanding work that I can’t bear to get finished because I just don’t trust them. However, I have found that individual trade people are better than a contractor. Probably because they rely more on social media and good reviews. It might cost a bit more but I think it might be worth it. Good luck with your plumber.
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Can you put anpther photo up shpwing what is to the right of the door? There is a leak somewhere as the wood trim to thw right has also swollen and split from moisture
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I’d get two or three plumbers round, tell them what you’ve put here, see what conclusions they come to. Might find the shower door is fitted incorrectly or something.
Edit: what is under your flooring tiles? Could be a leak spreading under the floor.
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