Shower base leaks – diagnosis and no-demolition rehabilitation

Shower base leaks – diagnosis and no-demolition rehabilitation

Leaks at the base of a shower are one of the most common bathroom problems, especially in buildings that are a few years old.
Water stains on the ceiling below, damp smells, or leaks that only appear when the shower is used often lead to the same conclusion: everything needs to be demolished.

In reality, not all shower base leaks require demolition.
In many cases, the problem is located in a very specific and hidden area: the internal connection between the shower drain and the pipework.

This is where REVIPOX works.

Where shower base leaks usually originate

Contrary to common belief, the visible silicone around the shower base is rarely the true source of the leak.

Most leaks are caused by:

• micro-cracks at the drain–pipe connection

• failure of the original internal sealing

• small structural movements over time

• ageing materials

• poorly executed or deteriorated connections

Because these areas are below the shower base, water escapes internally and often only becomes visible once damage has already occurred elsewhere.

Most common symptoms

Typical signs include:

• water infiltration on the ceiling of the apartment below

• damp patches near the shower

• persistent musty odours

• leaks that appear only during or after shower use

• intermittent problems that are difficult to explain

In these situations, adding more silicone or making superficial repairs rarely solves the issue.

Why demolition is so often proposed

Without a proper technical diagnosis, removing the shower base and rebuilding everything is the most straightforward solution.
In some cases, this is indeed necessary — but not always.

Without knowing exactly where the leak is, demolition can:

• fail to solve the problem

• generate unnecessary costs

• create avoidable disruption to the space and daily life

Before breaking anything, it is essential to identify the true origin of the leak.

The REVIPOX approach: diagnosis before demolition

At REVIPOX, every intervention starts with technical assessment and diagnosis, not demolition.

Whenever technically viable, the leak can be resolved through:

• targeted inspection of the drain–pipe connection

• technical cleaning of the intervention area

• localized internal rehabilitation using epoxy resin

• internal sealing and reinforcement of the leak point

This approach often allows the problem to be solved without removing the shower base, avoiding unnecessary works.

When no-demolition rehabilitation is suitable

This solution is suitable when:

• the leak is localized at the drain connection

• there are internal cracks or localized sealing failures

• the pipe retains structural integrity

• there is no major collapse or extensive damage

It is not suitable when:

• the shower base itself is cracked or deformed

• the drain body is physically damaged

• the pipework has significant structural collapse

For this reason, each case must be assessed individually.

Advantages of localized internal rehabilitation

When applicable, this approach allows:

• avoidance of demolition and invasive works

• reduced intervention time

• minimal disruption to the property

• direct action at the true source of the leak

• extended service life of the existing pipework

The objective is not temporary patching, but a technically sound and durable solution.

Every situation is different

Shower base leaks are not all the same.
Some require demolition; others can be resolved in a far less invasive way — provided that the diagnosis is accurate.

REVIPOX assesses each case with technical rigor and transparency, always recommending the most appropriate solution for the specific situation.