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Leak in your bathroom or kitchen? We'll find it.

Fast leak detection for wet rooms, showers, baths, and kitchen fittings across Hull.

Call us on 01482 770 041
HomeLeak DetectionBathroom & Kitchen Leak Detection

Water damage from bathrooms and kitchens is one of the most common, and most expensive, problems we see. A failed shower seal lets water through the tiles and rots the floor underneath. A slow leak under the kitchen sink goes unnoticed until the cabinet base is mush. A bath overflow runs down inside the wall for months before you see the stain in the room below Common across Hull, from Spring Bank to Newland Avenue.

By then, the damage is serious. This is especially common in Hull's older Victorian properties around Hessle and Sherwood where original plumbing is often hidden behind modern fittings.

Finding the leak source is critical. Is it the shower tray, the grout, the waste pipe, or the supply connections? We use a combination of visual inspection, water testing, and sometimes thermal imaging to trace exactly where water is getting in. Once found, we fix it properly, re-seal, re-grout, replace failed waste pipes, or tighten connections.

Common Bathroom & Kitchen Leak Sources

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Water stains on the ceiling below

Brown stains directly under a bathroom or kitchen mean water is coming through the floor. It could be from the shower tray, bath seal, sink waste, or supply pipes. The stain location gives clues.

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Damp or soft flooring

Spongy vinyl or laminate near the bath, shower, or sink suggests water is getting underneath. Long-term exposure rots the subfloor. The source is usually failed sealant or a leaking waste.

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Mould around grout lines

Black mould in grout joints or at the base of tiles means water is sitting there. If grout has failed, water can get behind tiles and into the structure, causing hidden damage.

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Musty smell in cupboards under sinks

That damp smell under the kitchen or bathroom sink means water has been leaking there for a while. Check all waste connections and supply pipes, something is dripping.

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Pooling water with no obvious source

Water appears on the floor but you can't see where it's from. It might be splash from the shower escaping past a faulty screen, or water running along a surface from a failed seal elsewhere.

How We Find Bathroom & Kitchen Leaks

We approach wet room and kitchen leaks systematically. Here's our process:

1

Inspect all visible connections

We check under sinks, behind toilets, around the bath panel, and all exposed pipework. Many leaks are visible once you know where to look, a drip from a waste pipe or a weeping compression joint.

2

Test seals and grout

We check the sealant around baths, showers, and sinks for gaps or perishing. We inspect grout for cracks. We sometimes run water and watch where it escapes, this reveals failed waterproofing.

3

Water testing

For shower leaks, we block the waste and fill the tray with water. If the ceiling below gets wet, the shower tray or waste is leaking. If not, it's a sealant or grout issue.

4

Thermal imaging (if needed)

For hidden leaks behind tiles or under floors, thermal imaging shows us where moisture has accumulated. This pinpoints the problem area without removing tiles unnecessarily.

5

Repair at source

Once found, we fix it properly. That might mean re-sealing, re-grouting, replacing a waste trap, tightening a connection, or replacing a damaged section of pipe. We test thoroughly afterward.

Typical Leak Sources We Fix

Here are the most common bathroom and kitchen leak sources in Hull homes:

Failed shower tray seal

The sealant between the shower tray and the wall perishes over time. Water runs down the wall, behind the seal, and through the floor. A full re-seal stops it.

Cracked grout in showers

Grout is porous and cracks with movement. Water gets behind tiles and soaks into the plasterboard or floor structure. Re-grouting and sealing is essential to prevent rot.

Leaking bath overflow

The overflow pipe connection inside the bath can work loose or perish. When the bath fills past the overflow, water leaks into the wall cavity instead of draining safely outside.

Sink waste leaks

The waste trap under the sink can crack, or the compression fittings can loosen. Water drips into the cupboard below, rotting the base. Check and tighten or replace the trap.

Appliance hose connections

Washing machines and dishwashers have supply and waste hoses that can split or work loose. A small leak behind a washing machine can go unnoticed for months until the floor fails.

Preventing Future Leaks

1

Re-seal baths and showers annually

Silicone sealant perishes with heat and moisture. Cut out the old sealant and apply fresh every 12-18 months. It's a 30-minute job that prevents thousands in water damage.

2

Check under sinks regularly

Once every few months, clear out the cupboard and check for dampness or drips. Catch slow leaks early before they cause rot. Tighten any weeping connections.

3

Don't ignore cracked grout

If you see cracks in shower grout, re-grout it immediately. Water behind tiles causes rot, mould, and structural damage. A £10 tube of grout saves thousands in repairs.

4

Replace appliance hoses every 5 years

Washing machine and dishwasher hoses perish over time. Replace them every 5 years even if they look fine. Braided stainless steel hoses are far more reliable than rubber.

Upfront prices, no nasty surprises

We'll always tell you the cost before we start. These are typical price ranges, your exact quote depends on the job.

ServiceTypical Cost
Leak detection (bathroom/kitchen)£85-£150
Shower re-seal (full)£80-£130
Bath seal replacement£70-£110
Sink waste replacement£60-£90
Hidden pipe leak repair£120-£250

All prices are estimated. Final costs depend on the specific job. We provide detailed quotes before starting work.

Got questions? Here's the quick answers.

How much does bathroom leak detection cost in Hull?
Bathroom and kitchen leak detection costs £85-£150 depending on complexity across Hull and surrounding areas. If we find and fix the leak on the same visit, we often waive the detection fee. Re-sealing showers costs £80-£130. Waste pipe replacement is £60-£90.
How long does it take to find a bathroom leak?
Most bathroom and kitchen leaks are found within 2 hours through visual inspection and water testing. Repairs take another within 2 hours depending on what's failed. Expect 2-3 hours for the complete job, whether you're in Newland Avenue, Cottingham, or Spring Bank.
Water is leaking through my ceiling, is it the shower?
Probably, but not always. It could be the shower tray, the grout, the waste pipe, or even a supply pipe above. We'll test each systematically to find the actual source, then fix it properly.
Can you fix shower leaks without removing tiles?
Often yes. Most shower leaks are sealant or grout failures, which we fix by re-sealing or re-grouting. If the shower tray itself is cracked or the waterproofing has failed, tiles might need to come off.
Why does my bath leak only when it's full?
The overflow connection is loose or cracked. When the bath fills past the overflow level, water runs into the overflow but leaks from the failed connection into the wall. We'll tighten or replace the overflow fitting.
Is a leak from under my sink urgent?
Yes. Even small drips cause rot in the cabinet base and the floor underneath. Left alone, you'll be replacing the whole cabinet and possibly floor joists. Fix it now while it's cheap.
How often should I re-seal my shower?
Every 12-18 months depending on usage. Silicone perishes with heat, moisture, and cleaning products. If you see black mould in the seal or it's cracked, do it immediately.
Will you need to come back multiple times?
Usually not. Most bathroom and kitchen leaks are diagnosed and fixed in a single visit. If we need specialist parts or the repair is complex, we'll return the next day. We test thoroughly before leaving, whether you're in Newland Avenue, Cottingham, or Spring Bank.
Back to Leak Detection

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