3 Signs Your Shower Pan Is Leaking and How to Fix It

You most likely don’t give much thought to your shower pan, but if it springs a leak, your bathroom could turn into an unintentional splash zone. A shower pan is the part of the shower that makes up the floor, and its sloped shape acts as a funnel, directing runoff water down the drain instead of pooling around your feet.

Shower pans are made of durable materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, fiberglass, or plastic. They tend to have a fairly long lifespan, lasting at least 10 years and sometimes up to 45 years. However, depending on the material and how old the pan is, it may start to shift, and movement of the shower pan can lead to leaks, mold, or bathroom flooding. And the last thing you want is to be showered with unexpected repair bills that go beyond the cost of a new shower pan.

Here are three telltale signs that your shower pan is leaking, temporary ways to stop the leak, and what to know about hiring a pro who can fix it quickly.

Signs of a Leaking Shower Pan 

Check for these signs that there’s a leak in your shower pan.

1. Your Shower Pan Shouldn’t Move

When installed correctly, a shower pan should never move or shift, as it is securely affixed to the floor with concrete, sealant, and bolts. As time goes on, however, these materials can begin to break down and allow the shower pan to move. In addition, major vibrations (such as an earthquake) can also jar the securing materials loose.

Any movement, no matter how minor, is a sign that your shower pan is susceptible to leaking. If the pan visibly moves when you clean your shower or step into it, that’s a problem.

2. Deflection Can Be a Huge Safety Hazard

If you notice any unusual sloping in the shower pan or if it feels unstable when stepping in or out, this might be a warning sign of deflection. Deflection is an up-and-down movement, which may indicate that the floor beneath the shower pan has started to give out due to water damage. You should have it checked immediately, as the subfloor may have damage from leaking water, which is a huge safety concern.

3. Look Out for Cracks in Your Shower Pan

Cracks are often the first telltale signs of shower pan damage. If you have a plastic pan, any cracking is an indication that the pan has failed. With sturdier materials, such as porcelain, cracks in the pan itself, not the grout or tiles, are a warning sign of a problem.If there is any cracking or splintering in the shower pan, stop using that shower immediately until you can repair it.

How to Test for a Shower Pan Leak 

If you notice movement, cracking, or instability in the shower pan, follow this simple three-step method to track down shower leaks:

1. Seal the Drain

Make a water-tight seal around the drain using duct tape, plastic sheeting, or a rubber plug.

2. Pour in a Measured Amount of Water

Pour in enough water to make about 2 inches of standing water in the shower pan—mark where the water level is with a piece of tape or permanent marker.

3. Watch for Water Level Changes

Leave the water in the shower pan for eight hours, then come back to check. If it has gone down from the level you marked, there is likely a shower pan leak.

You should also check the bathroom floor around the shower pan and the ceiling in the room directly below the bathroom for visible water damage or staining.

How to Fix a Leaking Shower Pan

Before calling in a professional, you can make a few DIY repairs to temporarily stop the leak. Note that these are all short-term fixes, and you will likely need to consult a plumber near you to secure a permanent solution.

1. Grout Repair or Replacement

Grout begins to wear down over time, so repairing or replacing it may help slow the shower pan leak. Apply new shower grout in a thick layer over the old, paying special attention to any cracks or holes.

2. Apply Epoxy or Sealer

Apply masonry sealer or epoxy to any holes or loose areas to help hold everything together temporarily. This solution will help control the damage but is only a temporary fix for an entire shower pan replacement. Continuing to use your shower can cause further leaks and damage, including dry rot and structural problems, so call a pro to fix the underlying problem or replace your shower pan to avoid bigger issues.

3. Replace the Pan Liner

You may be able to find a replacement pan liner that fits the shower at a big box store for between $50 and $100. However, shower pan sizes vary, and since they’re preconstructed, they won’t fit as tightly as a permanent pan replacement. One may work well enough to hold you over for a bit, but calling a pro for a permanent replacement is the best way to deal with the problem.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Temporary fixes to a leaking shower pan can save you—and your bathroom—in a pinch, but ultimately, you’ll need to reach out to the experts. The damage from a hidden water leak in a bathroom, like what you’d see from a leaking shower pan, is usually gradual. Because a shower pan leak has the potential to cause excessive water damage throughout several areas of your home, the best option is to call a shower repair pro near you. If the leak seems severe enough to leave you concerned about water damage or mold, consider contacting an emergency plumber near you to take a look at the situation right away.

A full shower pan replacement is a larger undertaking, and a contractor may even have to pull up the floor or even the foundation. On average, the cost of replacing a shower pan will run you between $530 and $4,600. Your final cost will depend on various factors, such as the size of your shower, the type of shower pan material you’re installing, the removal of your old shower pan, and labor.

Questions to Ask a Shower Repair Pro

If you've decided that it's time to bring in a professional to repair or replace a leaking pan, it's important to make sure you're bringing in a qualified professional. Ordinarily, a plumber is the only pro qualified to assess and fix leaks. Here are some questions to ask during the phone screening to make sure you're hiring the right person:

• Do you offer shower repair?

• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

• Do you offer free estimates?

• Do you provide emergency plumbing services?

• How soon can you replace the pan if it's determined that the issue cannot be fixed using another option?

• How many years of experience do you have with repairing or updating showers?

Be sure to contact at least three local plumbing companies to get quotes. Different plumbers may have different opinions about the best option for fixing a leak, so you'll need to compare prices for repair versus replacement. If you need help repairing water-damaged concrete, flooring, or drywall, you may need to contact several other specialists once the leak's underlying cause is addressed.  

How Much Does It Cost to Repair or Replace a Shower Pan? 

The cost of fixing a leaking shower pan depends on the severity of the problem. A minor repair, such as sealing cracks and regrouting tile, might set you back $30 to $500—a price worth paying to avoid water damage. But if the shower pan is beyond saving and needs a full replacement, brace yourself for a bigger bill. Hiring a pro for shower pan replacement costs between $900 and $2,300 or more, depending on factors like materials, labor costs, and whether your home needs additional repairs, such as subfloor replacement.

DIYers can cut costs by tackling minor repairs, but replacing a shower pan is a job best left to the pros. If you spot signs of trouble, like persistent puddles on your bathroom floor or water-stained ceilings below the bathroom, don’t wait. A small leak today can turn into a flood of expensive regrets tomorrow.