Why is water leaking from under my bath?
Water beneath a bath can come from the edge seal, waste, overflow, taps or supply pipes. The timing of the leak often gives the best clue, but stop using the bath if water is reaching the floor or the room below.
Does it leak while the bath is filling?
If water appears before the bath begins to drain, check whether it is splashing around the taps or running behind the bath at the wall. A loose tap connection or leaking hot or cold supply pipe can also drip beneath the bath whenever the taps are running.
Do not reach beneath the bath while water is flowing. If the leak continues when the taps are off, isolate the water supply if you can do so safely and arrange urgent help.
Does it leak only when the bath is full?
A leak that starts when the water reaches a certain height may be coming from the overflow fitting or its connection. Water can also escape past failed silicone where the bath meets the wall, especially if the bath moves slightly when someone gets in.
Do not assume fresh silicone will solve every leak. The fitting, bath support and area behind the panel should be checked so hidden damage is not sealed in.
Does it leak when the plug is released?
If water appears only while the bath drains, the waste fitting, trap or waste pipe is a likely source. A loose joint, damaged seal or cracked fitting may leak more quickly when a full bath empties.
A slow-draining bath can increase the time water sits in the waste system, but chemical drain cleaners may damage finishes and will not repair a leaking joint. Avoid using the bath until the waste has been inspected.
When is a bath leak urgent?
Stop using the bath and seek prompt help if water is reaching lights or electrics, soaking the ceiling below, spreading beneath flooring, or causing the floor to feel soft. Keep people away from affected electrical fittings and contact a qualified electrician as well as a plumber where necessary.
A plumber or bathroom fitter can test the bath in stages, inspect accessible connections and identify the source before repairing finishes. This is safer than repeatedly running water and hoping to spot the leak.
Quick bath-leak checklist
- Stop using the bath if water is escaping onto the floor or ceiling below.
- Note whether the leak happens during filling, bathing or draining.
- Check for water around the taps, wall edge and overflow without removing fixed panels.
- Look for split silicone, bath movement or staining nearby.
- Keep clear of wet lights, sockets and electrical fittings.
- Arrange an inspection rather than covering the symptom with new sealant.