How Do I Know If My Shower Is Leaking Into the Floor?

A leaking shower often leaves clues you can spot with a quick check. Start by looking at the floor around the shower base. Soft or spongy tiles, cracked grout, or dark stains on the floor can mean water is seeping through.

Also check the ceiling below the shower if you have a second story. Yellow or brown water rings, bubbling paint, or a damp feel are strong signs of a leak. A musty odor near the shower or in the room below is another common clue.

• Soft or bouncy floor tiles
• Dark or discolored grout lines
• Peeling or bubbling paint on walls or ceiling
• Water stains on the ceiling below
• Musty smell in the bathroom or lower level
• Visible cracks in the shower pan or caulk

If you notice any signs of a leak, stop using the shower until you know the extent of the problem. Turn off the water supply to the shower if you can locate the shutoff valve. This helps prevent further water from soaking into the floor and walls.

Take photos of the visible damage and any stains you find. This can be useful when you talk to your insurance company or when the pros inspect your home. Then call local water damage pros to assess the situation and dry out any affected areas.

• Stop using the shower
• Turn off the water supply if possible
• Take photos of stains and damage
• Keep the area ventilated
• Call the pros for a thorough inspection

If you cannot find the leak source or if water has spread beyond the shower area, call the pros. They have tools to detect hidden moisture in walls and floors. They can also remove water-damaged flooring and dry the structure properly.

Pros will usually inspect the area, identify the source, and then set up drying equipment. They may need to remove part of the floor or wall to dry the framing. The work involved depends on how far the water has traveled and what materials are affected.