March 25th, 2025
3 min read
By Joe Cox
Taking showers in a bathtub can be uncomfortable. A tub-to-shower conversion in Escondido will turn your tub into a beautiful new, modern bathing space. However, leaks in your shower can result in water damage, worsening over time. So, how do you discover whether your shower leaks?
Few things cause more problems for a home than a leaking shower. It can increase your water bill and cause damage in hidden spaces. Some homeowners might think it’s hard to find a leaking shower. Fortunately, there are some easy tests you can do to make sure this feature is holding water as it should.
At Shugarman’s Bath, we’re the local tub and shower experts, and we want to help you get the most from these features. For this reason, we’ve made a list of ways to check for a leak after your tub-to-shower conversion.
One of the reasons why you might have a leak in your shower is existing damage. Drains, shower heads, and faucet connections are places where these problems occur. Inspecting these features will ensure water isn’t leaking from them.
Slow draining or standing water is a common sign of drain problems. Strange noises or dripping when the water is off indicate shower head damage. If you notice leaks in your faucet or have difficulty turning the handle, you probably have a problem with your faucet connections.
If you identify damage to one of these features, you should have it fixed promptly. Your local professionals can solve the problem and check for other leaks in your shower.
Cracking of the caulking or grout of your shower is likely to happen at some point. In many cases, the problem is due to simple wear and tear, but it could also be poor sealing during your tub-to-shower conversion.
When water gets through these cracks, it can reach the interior of your walls. You probably won’t even recognize the problem. In the meantime, you might suffer mold growth and other damage that can impact your health and safety.
It’s a good idea to check your caulking and grout for cracks every few months. If you notice any issues, the solution is likely caulk or grout replacement.
While some leaks result in water accumulating in hidden spaces, some can also be in plain sight. Most people with walk-in showers will notice water on the bathroom floor. This issue can be dripping as residents leave the shower. However, it can also be a leak in the shower door.
Since the result of this kind of leak is just water on the bathroom floor, many people might ignore it. But it can result in water getting into the subfloor and causing water damage. Subfloors usually consist of plywood, so water damage can cause warping and rotting on a surface that serves as structural support for your home.
The solution to this situation is usually simple. Adding caulking to the leaking area will keep the water inside your shower and off your bathroom floor. It’s an easy task that can prevent expensive repairs in the future.
A shower pan is a waterproof layer underneath your shower floor. It directs water to the drain and sends the water out of your house. A leak in your shower pan will allow the water to seep into the subflooring below, possibly causing warping and rotting of the wood surface.
It's hard to access your shower pan because it's under the floor. However, there’s an easy way to test for a leak. When you plug your shower drain and fill it with water, it shouldn’t leak. The water line should remain in the same spot after a day or two. The water line being lower than when you first filled it is a sure sign of a leak.
Whether you need to repair or replace your shower pan depends on the issue. You can usually repair minor cracks or chips. However, large cracks or structural damage will require a replacement. Regardless, it’s best to leave this task to professionals.
When you discover a leak in your shower, it’s best to call the professionals. They can safely and efficiently identify the leak and check for additional damage. The best companies will provide honest feedback about whether you need a repair or replacement and take care of it for you.
At Shugarman’s Bath, we provide expert bath and shower remodeling services for Escondido homeowners. Our team can inspect your tub or shower and provide an honest assessment of its condition. We use the best products and methods to ensure you have a quality and long-lasting result.
Do you need a tub-to-shower conversion or other services? Contact Shugarman’s Bath at [tel] today, or check out our website to get a free quote.
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