Leaking Shower Pan
A leaking shower pan is a serious problem that can result in dumping water into the floor and foundation of the house.
Leaking shower pan. Check for cracks even very fine ones anywhere on the pan. The porcelain ceramic or plastic basin that collects all the water from your shower and guides it towards the drain is designed to be as durable as possible but is subject to wear and tear like anything else. It doesn t test your shower pan where it covers your shower curb or seat.
Older ones can wear out. We have included a diy cost. Fill the shower pan with water.
You don t want to use the shower faucet because you want to know if the leak is coming from the faucet or the pan. In this case a problematic pan had a very happy ending. That s why all shower pans deserve close attention.
If you discover that the shower pan is leaking the only repair option is to replace the shower pan. Pour enough water from a bucket or use another source of water other than the shower faucet to make the standing water about one inch deep. Call a plumber to inspect or fix it for you as soon as possible to prevent rot odors and high costs of repair.
Look for water around the base of the shower pan. A cracked or damaged water pan that leaks will continue to leak regardless of any efforts you to put in to seal the crack or damage. It is very common for a shower pan to leak in these areas especially where the curb meets the wall.
A leaking shower pan is the result of some crack or tear in the membrane. Not all leaks are related to the structural integrity of a shower pan. Until a few years ago curbs were constructed without pan corners at each end.