Leak Detection & Bath Repair for Social Housing

Fast Response Leak Detection & Bath Repair for a Residential Social Housing Property

Service: Bath and Shower Repair & Leak Detection

Metro Plumb was instructed by a local Housing Association in Warrington, following reports of water penetrating from a first-floor bathroom into the living room below. After the shower had been used, cracking appeared in the ceiling and water began to leak through, creating an urgent situation for both tenant safety and property protection.

Our team was tasked with identifying the root cause of the leak and delivering a permanent solution that would prevent further structural damage and minimise disruption to the resident.

 

The Challenge

When the engineer arrived on site, the source of the leak was not immediately apparent. Water ingress from bathrooms can originate from a number of concealed locations, including bath waste connections, overflow fittings, pipework joints, or deteriorated silicone seals.

In this case, the situation was particularly delicate, as water had already penetrated the ceiling below. Time was critical. Early signs of structural cracking were visible and continued use of the bathroom risked worsening the damage, potentially leading to more extensive repairs and increased costs.

A swift yet methodical diagnostic approach was essential to prevent further escalation — accurately trace the source of the leak, carry out the necessary remedial work, and ensure the affected areas were fully secured, dried, and restored to prevent any recurrence.

 

The Solution

Once Metro Plumb had established the nature of the issue, the next step was to remove the bath panel to gain full access to the area beneath the bath. A systematic inspection was then carried out, including testing of the bath waste and overflow connections, checking the flexible pipework, and assessing the integrity of the seals around the bath perimeter.

Testing identified a significant gap in the bath seal, which was allowing water to track behind the bath during shower use. As a result, water was escaping into the floor void below, causing the leakage observed at the property.

 

Multi-Visit Repair Strategy

Visit 1 – Immediate Risk Mitigation:

The focus of the first visit was immediate risk mitigation. This included the following steps:

• Removed defective bath seal
• Drained and refilled the bath
• Applied new professional-grade sanitary sealant
• Conducted controlled water tests
• Advised curing time to ensure long-term durability

These measures successfully stopped the immediate leakage and stabilised the situation, preventing further water ingress while preparations were made for a permanent resolution.

Follow-Up Visit – Permanent Resolution:

To ensure a complete and robust repair, Metro Plumb returned to the property to complete the following steps:

• Isolate and replace faulty shower components
• Remove and replace overflow rubber seals
• Install a new bath panel
• Fully reseal the bath perimeter
• Conduct comprehensive leak testing

All fixtures were tested under normal usage conditions to confirm full integrity. A final inspection was carried out to verify that the repair was watertight and performing as expected. The work area was left clean and tidy, with all finishing touches completed, ready for the ceiling reinstatement works to be undertaken by the appointed contractor.

 

The Outcome

The leak was fully resolved, preventing any further ceiling or structural damage. The bathroom was restored to a safe and fully functioning condition, with disruption to the tenant kept to an absolute minimum. By addressing the issue promptly and effectively, the housing association was also protected from escalating repair costs and risk of more extensive remedial works.

By identifying and rectifying the root cause rather than applying a temporary fix, Metro Plumb delivered a durable, long-term solution that gave the customer a full working bathroom and safe home.

 

Concerned about recurring bath or shower leaks or hidden water damage?

Metro Plumb specialises in targeted leak diagnosis and professional bath repairs for social housing providers. Our methodical approach identifies the true root cause of leaks, helping you prevent escalating property damage, reduce repeat callouts, and control long-term repair costs.

If you’re managing:

• Ongoing bathroom leak issues

• Ceiling damage linked to baths or showers

• Tenant complaints following water ingress

• Reactive repairs that keep reoccurring

Get in touch with Metro Plumb today to discuss how our experienced engineers can support your properties with fast, accurate leak detection and durable bathroom repairs. Call us today.