Shower leaking through the ceiling below? What to do
A brown ring on the ceiling under a bathroom is a common sign of a shower leak, in two-storey homes and apartments alike. Acting quickly limits the damage and keeps the repair simpler.
First steps
- Photograph the ceiling and note the date.
- Note when the water appears: after the shower upstairs is used, or all the time.
- Use a different shower for now if you can.
- If water is near light fittings or power points, turn the power off to that area and call an electrician.
- In an apartment, tell the owner or tenant upstairs and your strata manager in writing.
Is it definitely the shower?
Not always. Water can run along the slab or floor framing before it drips, so the stain may not sit directly under the leak. If it only appears after the shower is used, the shower is the likely source. If it's there all the time, suspect a pipe. A toilet seal, bath or vanity can cause the same stain.
Who pays in a strata building?
In NSW strata schemes the waterproofing membrane is generally common property, which often makes the owners corporation responsible for membrane repairs. Owner renovations and by-laws can change that. Your strata manager can confirm it for your building.
What does it cost to fix an upstairs shower leaking through the ceiling?
It depends on the cause. If water is getting through failed grout and silicone, a regrout and seal without removing tiles costs a fraction of a new bathroom. A plumbing fault or a failed membrane costs more. Fixing the ceiling below is a separate job, done once the source is fixed and the ceiling has dried out. Our inspection and quote are free.
Every property is different. This guide is general information, not a diagnosis of your leak. Book a free inspection for advice on yours.
Leaking shower or balcony?
We'll inspect it and quote for free, anywhere in Sydney. If the tiles are sound, we can usually stop the leak without lifting them. The sealing product we use carries a manufacturer's product warranty of up to 25 years, under the manufacturer's terms.