Harvey W. Hottel, Inc.

Since 1945

• Residential Services
• Commercial Services
• Geothermal
• Engineering/Design Build

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Diagnosing a Leaky Shower

Aside from leaky faucets, shower leaks are the next common type of plumbing issue. Though a common issue, Harvey W. Hottel, Inc. believe that no issue is too common or too small to warrant our attention. With spring here, Harvey W. Hottel, Inc. has been receiving an excess of calls regarding leaks. Our trained staff has put together this article to help you address the issue of a leaky shower and how to go about diagnosing the source of the issue.

Let's begin by stating the obvious. Shower leaks can originating from anywhere. In order to properly diagnose the issue you have to know where to start. To isolate a shower leak, you will need to start at the drain and work your way up. Using a garden hose, run the water through the hose and directly to the drain. If the leak is still happening then there is an issue with your drain plumbing. If no water is produced you will need to move to the next step. Leaks from showers are also caused when there are leaks in the actual tub. In order to test this theory, plug the drain and fill your tub up. If water begins too leak you definitely have a leak in the tub and must replace it immediately. If none of these tests produce the reoccurring leak then you are in for some good news.

Nine times out of ten, Harvey W. Hottel, Inc. has attributed shower leaks to voids or cracks in the caulking around the joints of the shower and tub. Water makes its way into these cracks and into your walls. In order to stop these leaks simply re-caulk the joints in your bath or shower. This should solve any further shower leak issues.