How do I fix a leaking shower that was recently renovated?

A recently renovated shower that's leaking suggests either improper waterproofing installation or a defective component that should be covered under warranty. Since this is new work, your first step should be contacting the contractor who performed the renovation before attempting any fixes yourself.

Immediate Assessment and Documentation

Start by identifying exactly where the water is coming from and where it's going. Check if water is leaking from the shower pan onto the floor below, seeping through tile joints, or dripping from plumbing connections behind the wall. Take photos and document the extent of the leak, including any water damage to adjacent areas. This documentation will be crucial when discussing the issue with your contractor or for potential warranty claims.

Look for obvious signs like loose caulking around the shower pan, gaps in tile grout, or water stains on walls or ceilings below the shower. In Metro Vancouver's wet climate, even small leaks can quickly lead to mold and structural damage, so addressing this promptly is essential.

Contractor Warranty and Responsibility

Since this is a recent renovation, the work should be covered under your contractor's warranty. Most reputable contractors provide at least a one-year warranty on workmanship, and in BC, if this involved structural changes or new plumbing rough-in, there may be additional warranty coverage. Contact your contractor immediately and request they inspect and repair the leak at no charge.

If the contractor is unresponsive or disputes responsibility, review your contract for warranty terms. Under BC's Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act, contractors have obligations for defective work. Document all communications and keep records of any additional damage caused by delays in repairs.

Common Causes in New Renovations

The most frequent culprits in recently renovated showers include improper waterproof membrane installation, inadequate slope in the shower pan, missing or poorly applied sealants, or defective plumbing connections. In Vancouver's seismic zone, plumbing connections can sometimes shift slightly after installation, causing leaks to develop weeks or months later.

Professional Assessment Required

Don't attempt to fix this yourself, especially since it's warranty work. Opening up recently completed tile work or waterproofing could void your warranty and create bigger problems. A qualified plumber or bathroom renovation specialist needs to diagnose whether this is a waterproofing failure, plumbing issue, or installation defect.

Contact your renovation contractor immediately and demand an inspection within 48 hours.