27/07/2026
This shower had been experiencing ongoing water ingress, so we carried out a dye test to help identify where the water was escaping.
A coloured dye was introduced into the shower base and, almost immediately, it appeared in the adjoining hallway. This confirmed that water was escaping beneath the tiled shower base and tracking into the surrounding structure.
In this case, the leak wasn’t coming through the shower screen or wall. The dye test showed the water was travelling beneath the floor tiles before making its way into the hallway.
Tiled shower bases look fantastic, but they rely on correct installation, effective waterproofing and ongoing maintenance. Water ingress can occur as grout and silicone deteriorate over time, or as a result of installation defects or waterproofing failure. By the time water becomes visible outside the shower, significant moisture may already be trapped beneath the tiled base.
Common signs of a shower leak:
⚪️ Damp carpet or flooring outside the shower
⚫️ Swollen skirting boards or door jambs
⚪️ Peeling paint
⚫️ Mould growth
⚪️ Cracked, loose or missing grout
⚫️ Deteriorated silicone
⚪️Hollow-sounding floor tiles
⚫️ Timber decay or insect activity beneath or beside the shower
⚪️ Movement with the tiles or walls
Unfortunately, once water has made its way beneath the tiled base, replacing grout or silicone isn’t always enough. If the waterproofing system has failed, a shower renovation is often the only permanent solution.
The earlier a leaking shower is identified, the better. Finding the problem early can significantly reduce the extent of water damage and the cost of repairs.
If you suspect your shower may be leaking, a dye test is a non invasive way to help identify whether water is escaping from the shower base before deciding on the next steps.
