Running water behind the shower wall is not exactly the ambient nature sound that you want to hear. It can be a stressful mystery that is best not ignored. To address this confusing and nerve-wracking situation, it is best to call a licensed plumber.
Sounds like water running behind shower? This could be due to a clogged or leaky pipe. It’s a major plumbing issue that should be dealt with immediately. Most reasons for this situation are not serious. Regardless, it is best to call a licensed plumber to help you fix the issue.

Why Do I Hear Water Running Behind My Shower?
You might be wondering why you’re hearing water running behind your shower. The sound of running water behind your shower wall does not always mean there’s a leak. Several reasons can cause this type of sound. The great news is that not all of them are serious.
A common reason why this could be happening is a leak in your pipes. It’s often the leaks that you can’t easily see the ones that can be a hazard. Sometimes leaks can go undetected until there’s visible damage in your bathroom.
Another reason why you hear the sound of running water behind the shower is because of clogged pipes. This would be more of a dripping sound that doesn’t go away. It’s a problem that makes water in the pipes drain slowly long after you have shut off the water.
Lastly, low temperatures can cause your pipes to freeze. They can crack and start to leak creating the sound of running water. Of course, this is a problem that can only happen during winter.
Any problem big or small has to be fixed promptly by a licensed plumber. Leaks behind the walls are very challenging for DIY projects. If you procrastinate repairing this issue, it could lead to significant damage to your walls.
Plus, you’ll be faced with an outrageous water bill!
More About Shower Leaks
Leaks that are happening behind your shower are usually difficult to notice. You have to be a good detective with handy skills to monitor your bathroom. You’ll likely find additional evidence that an internal leak is happening.

Do Some Detective Work
Leaks behind the walls are challenging to track. If your home has a basement, you may spot water damage from the ceiling to the floor. That’s if the shower is located on the first floor. It’s not always this easy to detect, so you’ll have to carefully investigate all areas of your home.
Water can move around in random ways. Sometimes it can show up along the wall or drip along the studs and beams of the structure. Other times it shows up in a spot that you least expect.
Looking for Signs
When there’s a water leak behind the shower wall it often leaves stains. In a second-floor bathroom, it’s possible for you to see water stains that have dried. These can show up on the ceiling of the first-floor space below the shower.
You can see if there’s water dripping from the first-floor ceiling when someone is showering on the floor above. Not all leaks are easy to detect. Some pipes have pinhole leaks. These can occur from defective soldering work or a faulty valve.
Another sign to look out for is spongy drywall or damaged tiles. This can be a sign that there is a leak behind the wall causing running water.
Keep These Signs in Mind When Inspecting Your Home:
- Puddles of water around the home, especially alongside walls.
- Discoloration on walls, floors, or under carpets. Look for places that display discoloration that appears to have an irregular shape.
- Textural changes of walls and floors. Paint on walls can start ripping, bubbling, or buckling. Walls can start to sag, bulge outward, or fall off.
- Mold and mildew can start to appear even if you can’t see or smell them. Look for black dots that appear alongside the wall or floor. This is a serious health issue because mold can grow inside the walls before it’s visible.
- Of course, the sound of running water that doesn’t stop is an obvious sign a leak may be present.
- Increased water bills that cannot be explained. Even a small leak can cause a significant difference in your monthly water costs.
Investigating Where the Leak is Located
A good way to find out where the leak is coming from is by checking your water meter. You have to turn off all water usage points first. If your meter runs without other faucets on in your home, it indicates a leaky pipe.
Your water bill has to reflect the size of your family and the usage you’ve seen in the past. If not, you may have a plumbing issue. Your water bill should not be out of the ordinary.
Another consideration is checking your cabinets and closets for a moldy odor. Check all around the home for unexplained changes. Unfortunately, leaks behind the wall are not detected until there’s visible damage.
What Should I Do if I Suspect a Leak Behind the Wall?
The very first thing you should do is try to identify the location of the leak. See if it is due to a plumbing issue. Perhaps it’s due to outside components such as chimneys or vents. Another explanation could be that your outdoor underground systems are malfunctioning.
Think of all possible reasons including your sprinkler drainage systems. This information is needed when you call a licensed plumber. The more clues you can provide the easier the problem will be fixed. Clogged gutters may also be the issue.
Once you find the possible cause of the leak, call for professional assistance. A plumbing expert will be able to confirm the cause of the leak and know how to fix it.
Preventing Leaks
The best way to avoid a leak is to ensure the installations are done by a professional. There are many DIY projects you can do around the home. However, plumbing takes special tools and considerable expertise to do it right.

It is best to hire a plumbing company backed by excellent consumer reviews. You should also consider having a consistent maintenance schedule. All systems need constant attention to ensure they stay running well.
Other Considerations
Some homeowners or builders opt for installing an access panel behind the shower wall. This allows you to easily do inspections and repairs. It will expose the water pipes located behind the shower and bathtub.
The panel’s cover can be taken off without special tools. Then, you can easily take a look behind the wall. It’s like a small window that allows you to have easy access. This is a much more convenient idea rather than knocking down the drywall to do an inspection or repair.
This video shows you how to install a basic access panel.
Creating a panel cover is certainly an easy DIY project. To choose the location, you must use a stud finder. Once you find the studs inside the wall, you can cut the drywall and create the access window.
Know How to Take Quick Action
If you hear water running behind the shower, there could be a leaky pipe behind the wall. This is the most common reason for this type of situation. You’ll have to do some investigative work to identify the cause.
Look for signs all around the house that could indicate a leak. Sometimes the leak you hear behind the shower will damage another part of the home. It’s a serious problem that should be fixed immediately by a plumber.
Consider installing an access panel that allows you to easily inspect and repair the pipes. You can cut out an access window on the drywall yourself if you have DIY skills. The bottom line is that you cannot ignore this issue.
Whenever you suspect anything with the plumbing it’s best to investigate it right away. The only running water you should hear in your bathroom is the one you intentionally turn on.
The bright side is that most possible causes are not serious, so get to it right away! Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying your shower with ease once again.
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