Help me work out what to do

[LemonBossy]

I've discovered a slow leak in a shower room that's been going on probably for many years - probably since the shower was installed.

My house is a bit leaky anyway - over the years there have been various leaks that have discoloured parts of walls etc so I can kind of see how this has gone under the radar for so long.

Damage is now at the point where it's possible the floor might need to be replaced - at the very least shower base (huge heavy thing) will have to go, part of the tiles will have to come off the walls and see what the damage is underneath.

There's only me that will be dealing with it and while I've been in touch with my home insurance provider they've sent an auto reply saying I'll need to get quotes.

I'm not sure exactly what I'm getting quotes for - eg if home insurance is not paying I'll be doing the minimum needed to make it safe and prevent more damage. If they are paying I'll so as much as they'll pay for, if that makes sense.

Am I looking for a plumber, decorator, tiler? One person to do all of it? I don't really know where to start and would appreciate some advice.

I already know I'm an idiot for not realising what was happening a long time ago, but I didn't and so here we are.

Please advise!

Phone a plumber and explain. Some of them are multi-skilled and some will have links to joiners, plasterers etc. Be prepared to need to have all of the tiles replaced or get shower boards. It is unlikely that you will get away without re-tiling.

@Diversion Thanks for your reply. Yep definitely will need some retiling, you're right.

Thank you @Crabspread, will do, sounds useful.

A Bathroom Fitter would specifically do this kind if work, but experienced plumbers with an independent or family business often do it.

It is useful to get personal recommendations from local people you know.

The websites where traders pay to be listed are not recommendation sites, they are advertising sites.

We had similar situation with a slow leaking pipe in a cavity wall a few years ago. A pipe joint was leaking and slowly the water was running down the pipe. As it pooled at the bottom it leaked out of the cavity wall, onto the carpet in the front room under the sofa. About twice a year I hoover the sofa - first I knew was a big, wet mouldy patch!

Start with a plumber to trace the leak. Keep all your receipts and take photos as they work. So before they start, what they have to take up, the leak it's self. At this point get quotes for fixing the leak. Then get the leak fixed. Then get quotes for all the redecorating that needs doing, and submit the receipts and pictures of this.

BEFORE you get any quotes, contact your insurance company to see if they have any requirements - I think ours had a flooring supplier that they wanted us to go with. They might or might not want evidence you have several quotes for different parts of the job. They might want these quotes submitting before you chose, they might not care provided you aren't going for GOLD pipes and tiles! The important part is seeing what your insurance company say. I used a local Facebook group to get recommendations of local workers.