A bathroom leak might seem minor at first—a small drip, a damp patch on the wall, or a musty smell. But beneath the surface, it can lead to costly water damage, mould growth, and structural issues. At Citywide Plumbers, we help homeowners across London quickly detect and repair bathroom leaks before they spiral out of control. Here’s a professional guide on how to do it right.
Part 1: How To Detect a Bathroom Leak
1. Check for Visual Clues
Start by inspecting the bathroom for the most obvious signs:
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Discoloured or warped walls
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Cracks in grout or silicone sealant
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Water pooling near the toilet, sink or bath
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Loose floor tiles
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Mould or mildew in corners or ceilings
2. Use the Toilet Test
Drop a few drops of food colouring into the cistern. Wait 30 minutes. If colour appears in the toilet bowl without flushing, your flush valve is leaking.
3. Monitor Your Water Meter
Turn off all taps and appliances, then check your water meter. If it’s still moving, you likely have a hidden leak.
4. Smell for Dampness
A musty or earthy smell is often a clear sign of hidden moisture—usually from pipework or sealant failure behind walls.
5. Use Tissue for Surface Leaks
Run tissue around pipe joints and underneath fixtures. Any dampness picked up reveals surface leaks needing attention.
Part 2: How To Fix a Bathroom Leak
1. Fixing Leaky Taps or Showerheads
Citywide Plumbers begins by isolating the water supply, then dismantling the fitting to replace faulty washers, O-rings, or cartridges. If taps are beyond repair, we recommend and install new, efficient models.
2. Repairing Toilet Leaks
We replace worn-out flappers, flush valves, or seals between the cistern and base. If water is leaking from the base, we reseat the toilet with a new wax or rubber ring.
3. Sealing Cracked Tiles or Grout
Old grout or silicone can crack with time. Our experts remove damaged sealant, treat mould, and reapply waterproof silicone or grout to prevent future leaks.
4. Fixing Hidden Pipe Leaks
Using thermal cameras or moisture metres, we locate leaks inside walls or under floors without guesswork. Where possible, we repair the joint or replace pipe sections without damaging tiles.
5. Professional Waterproofing
If the issue is widespread dampness, we apply clear waterproof membranes or inject leak sealants behind problem areas—preserving your tiles and preventing further damage.
Why Choose Citywide Plumbers?
We understand the panic that comes with discovering a bathroom leak. That’s why our engineers arrive promptly, diagnose the issue professionally, and offer clean, reliable repairs. No tile smashing. No mess. Just efficient plumbing done right.
Trusted London-based experts
Non-invasive leak detection
Fixed pricing and clear communication
Emergency services available
Call now: 02038928545
Email: info@citywideplumbers.co.uk