Accessing drainage pipe on leaking shower

Question

Our shower is leaking through the ceiling. We've tried resealing it, but it still leaks so we think it might be the drainage pipes but I can't see how to access them without taking the tray out. Is this normal?

Jack · Accepted Answer

There are specialist leak detection companies who can use thermal imaging, dye and other methods to best detect the source of a leak without having to damage anything.  
Should you have to remove the shower tray to access a leak then it would be best to do this via your insurers as it is likely the cost of works disturbed would exceed your policy excess

Adam · Answer

You could make a square hole in the ceiling keeping the piece to put back after.

William · Answer

hi should be access to the waste pipes under shower tray .no is not normal

David · Answer

If the shower tray is raised above floor level approximately 100mm (4”) there should be a access panel between bottom of shower and floor, if not the only option would be to remove a small section of the ceiling directly below the shower tray, normally a 4” hole drilled into the ceiling would suffice to carry out an inspection.

Stewart · Answer

usually with jobs like this id access it from the ceiling its best option unless there no access, as it could be the trap under shower tray or waste pipe not connected correctly

Aden · Answer

the only way is to remove the shower tray and inspect behind it unfortunately.

Mihai-vasile · Answer

Hi, even if you’re confident that the seal around the tray is sound, you may do another test by running the shower directly into the waste, without letting the water touching the walls, and see if is still dripping trough.
If it does, the next step is to cut the ceiling to see where the fault is and repair it.

Lee · Answer

Yes, this is normal.  Showers leak.
Speak to your Plumber

Anthony · Answer

Is the shower tray sitting flat to the floor if o shower tray will have to be removed,f it’s on feet there should be a plastic trim around remove trim and gain access to waste .the quickest way is to knock hole in sealing were water stain is .

David · Answer

Yes that’s a usually the issue customers have with scenario as all drainage pipes will not be visible without making access first. I’d all ways advise checking the shower area waterproof sealant first, then check the the shower cubicle had been installed correctly. After these checks if then advise drain pipes will require inspecting.

Paul · Answer

This is common unfortunately you might be better going in from the ceiling below to rectify the problem and plaster patch back in afterwards.

Patrick · Answer

Consider cutting a 200mm inspection hatch in the ceiling below.  Or if you have access to a inspection camera drill a hole and use that instead for minimal disruption.

Accessing drainage pipe on leaking shower

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