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Koula · May 12, 2014, 09:43 PM

A leak has occurred from the shower head that's over a bathtub. The leakage has gone onto ruin the architrave of the adjoining room, carpet and paintwork on the wall. What's the best way to determine where the leak is coming from. Should an attempt be made from the bathroom , by removing the tiles or is there another way to determine the cause of the leakage.
This has occurred in a rental property.

Thank you

ma0641 · May 13, 2014, 12:57 PM

Can you get behind the shower fitting, in a closet or BR wall?

Koula · May 13, 2014, 02:31 PM

No the wall is adjoining to bedroom.

smoothy · May 13, 2014, 03:14 PM

DO you want to do it the cheap destructive way... or hire someone?

A pro can usually find it with a small hole with the right equipment... YOU will have to make a huge hole in the wall.

dcplumber · May 13, 2014, 07:43 PM

Break out the visqueen, a large trash can, a ladder, a hammer, safety glasses and a good flashlight. Sounds like a good time! You could probably rent and use a dehumidifier too as you have the makings of a moldy situation which can be VERY costly to mitigate if you let it get away from you. Good luck.

massplumber2008 · May 14, 2014, 05:13 AM

Hi Koula

The first place to start with any such leak like you mention is to remove the tub/shower valve trim plate at the tub/shower valve and then use a flashlight to look in behind the wall while you run the water and fluctuate in between both tub and shower flow. If the leak is above at the shower arm connection behind the wall you should see water dripping from above and onto the valve. If the leak is below the valve (i.e., there is no drip or spray in the wall) then I would look at the tub spout next...make sure that isn't leaking back into the wall.

Otherwise, if no leak is found this way then you do have no real choice but to open a hole and start looking...common sense will go a long way here. I would remove the wood baseboard (if present) in the bedroom and make a couple small cuts in the wall (so they can be covered when you put the baseboard back) and see if you can isolate the area that is the problem. You'll need a good light and be sure to run water onto the walls with the shower (and divert water to all walls using a bucket, if needed) while investigating the leak.

Start there...

Mark