16/10/2026
What's hiding under your shower? 🚿
This week I started what should have been a straightforward shower refit. Once the old tray and tiles came out, we found the joists completely rotten and the floor soaked through. The trap had been leaking for a long time, and there was no tanking behind the tiles.
From inside the room, the tiles looked fine. The homeowner had no idea.
The good news is that a lot of home insurance policies include "trace and access" cover. That pays for opening up to find the cause of a leak. Your insurer will want a clear written report with photos, and that's where I can help.
✅ Careful strip-out to expose the problem
✅ Photos of everything as found
✅ Written inspection report ready for your insurer
✅ Area made safe
✅ Quote for the repair and refit once the claim is sorted
Warning signs to look out for:
• Grout or silicone cracking around the tray
• A floor that feels soft or bouncy near the shower
• Tiles lifting or sounding hollow
• A damp or musty smell you can't place
If any of that sounds familiar, get in touch before it gets worse.
📞 Mike – 07508 954934
📧 [email protected]
S&W Bathrooms, covering Nailsea, Bristol and North Somerset
