Enjoying a warm bath in winter or soaking in one after a long day can work wonders for our health and mood, making it all the more frustrating when anything disrupts this simple pleasure. Leaks from the bathtub are often difficult to spot as the water can accumulate underneath the bathtub and go unnoticed for some time until mould starts to develop or water begins to leak from the ceiling of the room directly under the bathroom.
In this blog, we learn about some of the causes of water leaking under the bathtub to help you locate the source of the leak, as well as some workable solutions to help you get the problem fixed and back enjoying those long soaks as soon as possible!
What Is Causing My Bathtub To Leak From Underneath?
Firstly, we should point out that no leak in your home should ever be ignored, even if it starts small. Overtime it will grow into something bigger and more problematic which will put your home at risk of some severe damage and a costly repair bill. We have already established that mould can develop, so that is another reason not to procrastinate on this repair. Here are the reasons why your bathtub is leaking underneath:
Cracks In The Tub
It sounds obvious, but cracks are easily missed, especially if it is a fine hairline fracture. In some cases, especially with fiberglass or acrylic tubs, small cracks, or punctures in the tub itself can allow water to leak through to the floor below. The easiest way to check is to fill the tub with water and turn off the tap. Then thoroughly inspect the water for any areas that seem to be sucked down.
Solution:
If you notice a crack, you can have a go at repairing it yourself if you feel comfortable. You will need to purchase a repair kit. There are two kinds you can buy – those for surface repairs and those for internal repairs. Kits always come with self-explanatory instructions but if you would feel more confident asking a professional to do the job, we would not blame you!
Grout Or Caulk Issues
Cracks or gaps in the caulking or grout between the tub and the wall can allow water to seep behind the tub and leak underneath. This issue can also lead to water damage to surrounding walls and floors. The consistent contact with water can cause grout to shrink around tiles overtime.
Solution:
Luckily, it is an easy fix. Regrouting or recaulking should do the trick. We often use a mixture of silicone caulking and grout in equal parts to create a more effective moisture barrier.
Tap Or Shower Leak
Leaks from the bath taps or shower head can trickle down the tub’s walls and leak underneath, especially if the caulking around the tap or handles has deteriorated overtime form the constant dripping. Leaks behind the wall can sometimes travel to the base of the tub.
Solution:
The rubber washers inside the taps are often the main leak culprits and this quite a straightforward DIY repair if you feel confident to do so. You will need a screwdriver and an adjustable wrench to hand. After turning off the water supply to the tap, use the screwdriver to remove the tap handle and expose the valve. You will then need to check if it is a compression tap (with washers), or a ceramic disc/cartridge tap. For compression taps, replace the rubber washer. For cartridge taps, replace the cartridge if worn. Then it is just a case of reassembling the tap and turning the water back on to test the drip has stopped. If the washer does not seem to be the problem, and you suspect it is the tap itself, calling a professional plumber would be advisable.
Overflow Pipe Leak
The overflow pipe, which prevents the tub from overflowing, can sometimes develop leaks if the gasket is damaged or improperly sealed. The pipes job is to not let water rise above a certain level by channelling it back down into the drainpipes if it reaches that level. Overtime, the fittings become worn and loose, and this can cause water to leak under the tub whenever the water level reaches the overflow drain. You can check if your overflow pipe is the cause by:
- Removing the access wall panel (usually on the backside of the plumbing wall of your bath or shower).
- Look for water dripping from the panel. If you cannot see any, look inside to see if the water is building up behind the wall. Puddles are signs of leaks around the drainpipe of supply line.
- Run the shower and splash water on the bath taps.
- Check behind the access panel again. If there is no water there, then It is likely that your overflow pipe is the problem.
Solution:
A qualified plumber would inspect the overflow to check for cracks, loose connections, or worn gaskets around the overflow pipe. If the gasket is worn, they would replace it, if connections are loose, they would tighten them to ensure a watertight seal.
Drain Leak
The drain fitting or gasket may have worn out or become loose, allowing water to seep underneath the tub. Over time, gaskets can deteriorate, and the connection between the tub and drainpipe may no longer be watertight. If you live in a two-storey home, you may notice water leaking from the ceiling of the room under the bathroom.
Solution:
To repair a bathtub drain leak, a plumber would:
- Unscrew and lift out the drain flange from the tub.
- Check the rubber gasket between the tub and drainpipe. If it is worn or damaged, they will replace it to restore a tight seal.
- Apply plumber’s putty around the new drain flange to prevent leaks, then reinstall and tighten it securely.
- Run water to ensure the leak has been fixed.
Loose Connections In Plumbing
Connections in the plumbing system under the tub, such as the supply lines, might be loose or damaged. This type of leak is usually consistent and may worsen over time.
If you are suffering from a leaky bathtub we would always recommend hiring a qualified plumber to ensure the work is done safely, correctly, and efficiently. If you are based within our service area, give the Happy Dog team a call – we’d love to help.
