My shower leaks into the ceiling below, what's wrong?

Water is penetrating through your shower's waterproof barrier and seeping into the floor assembly below. This is a serious issue that requires immediate attention to prevent structural damage, mold growth, and potential ceiling collapse.

The most common causes are failed waterproofing behind the shower walls or deteriorated caulking and grout. In Ottawa's older homes, many showers were built before modern waterproofing standards, relying only on tile and grout as the water barrier. Over time, grout cracks and caulk shrinks, allowing water to penetrate the wall cavity and eventually reach the ceiling below. Another frequent culprit is improper or missing waterproof membrane behind the tile, which should extend at least 6 inches above the shower head height according to Ontario Building Code requirements.

Plumbing leaks are another possibility, particularly with older copper or galvanized pipes common in Ottawa homes built before the 1990s. The leak could be from shower valve connections, supply lines behind the wall, or even the shower drain assembly. Sometimes the issue is a combination - a small plumbing leak that's made worse by failed waterproofing, creating a larger water intrusion problem.

Stop using the shower immediately to prevent further damage. Turn off water supply to the shower if possible, and place a bucket under any active dripping in the ceiling below. Contact a licensed renovation contractor or plumber right away for proper diagnosis - they'll need to determine whether this is a waterproofing failure, plumbing leak, or both. In Ottawa, this type of repair typically requires opening walls to assess damage and may need building permits depending on the extent of reconstruction required.

For emergency repairs and proper waterproofing solutions, Ottawa Bathrooms can connect you with experienced contractors who understand Ottawa's building requirements and climate challenges.

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Find a Licensed Contractor

Ottawa Bathrooms connects you with vetted, licensed renovation contractors from the Ottawa Construction Network:

• CMA Restoration Group inc ✓
• Montgomery Construction ✓
• Davinci Tiling ✓