Shower tray leaking onto floor below
Check the steps below first — if you're not confident, get it fixed safely today.
Post a job — we'll find you an engineer →Water seeping through your bathroom ceiling is one of the most common (and worrying) signs of a shower tray leak. It happens more often than you'd think—whether you've got an older acrylic tray, a modern stone resin model, or traditional ceramic—and the culprit is usually one of three things: a failed silicone seal, a loose waste pipe connection underneath, or occasionally a crack in the tray itself. The good news is that many shower leaks are straightforward to diagnose and fix without calling in the professionals, though sometimes you'll need expert help to trace the exact source. This guide walks through the most common causes and shows you how to identify and tackle each one, from simple resealing jobs to knowing when a replacement is your best bet.
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Most likely cause & what to check
Identify the source — is water leaking through the shower screen seal, the tray-to-wall seal, or from the shower tray waste pipe connection beneath the tray?
Check the tray waste connection — access under the tray (or through an access panel if fitted) and look for drips from the waste pipe when the shower is running. A loose or cracked waste fitting is a common cause.
Check all silicone seals where the shower tray meets the wall tiles — press along the bead with a finger. Any areas that flex or feel hollow indicate the seal has failed.
To reseal: use a Stanley knife to carefully remove all the old silicone. Clean the surfaces with methylated spirits. Apply masking tape either side of the joint, apply new sanitary silicone, and smooth it with a wetted finger. Remove tape before the silicone skins.
If the leak is from a crack in the shower tray itself, resealing will not fix it permanently. A cracked acrylic tray can be repaired with a specialist repair kit, but a cracked stone resin or ceramic tray usually needs replacing.
If the cause is not obvious, a plumber can use dye tablets or moisture meters to trace the exact leak path.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I know if the leak is coming from the shower tray or the waste pipe below?
The quickest way is to run the shower and watch underneath—if water drips from the waste connection itself, that's your culprit. If the ceiling gets wet only when the shower is in use but you can't see drips from the pipes, the leak is likely coming through the tray seal or a crack in the tray itself. Ask a neighbour or family member to watch from below while you shower to pinpoint exactly where water appears.
Can I just seal over the old silicone without removing it first?
No—this is a common mistake and won't hold. Old silicone doesn't bond properly to new sealant, and the leak will return within months. You need to remove all the old bead carefully with a Stanley knife, clean the surfaces thoroughly with methylated spirits, and then apply fresh sanitary silicone. It takes a bit longer, but it's the only way to get a watertight seal that lasts.
Is it cheaper to repair a cracked acrylic shower tray or replace it?
Specialist repair kits for acrylic trays are relatively affordable and can work well if the crack is small, but they're not always a permanent fix—especially if the crack is large or in a high-stress area. If the tray is old or the crack keeps returning, replacement is usually more cost-effective in the long run and gives you peace of mind.
How long should a silicone seal last before it needs redoing?
A properly applied sanitary silicone seal typically lasts 5–10 years depending on bathroom ventilation, cleaning products used, and how much moisture the area gets. Good ventilation and avoiding harsh abrasive cleaners will help it last longer. If you notice the seal starting to crack, go grey, or feel spongy, it's time to reseal rather than waiting for a leak to develop.
What's the difference between bathroom silicone and standard caulk?
Sanitary silicone (sometimes called bathroom silicone) is specifically formulated to resist mould, moisture, and fungal growth—which standard caulk won't do. Always use sanitary silicone around shower trays and baths; standard caulk will fail quickly in a wet bathroom environment and can encourage black mould growth.