A homeowner reports a persistent damp spot on the ceiling below a second-floor bathroom. Upon inspection, you notice no visible leaks around the toilet or sink, but the floor tiles near the shower appear discoloured. What is the most likely initial step to identify the source of the leak?

Question: A homeowner reports a persistent damp spot on the ceiling below a second-floor bathroom. Upon inspection, you notice no visible leaks around the toilet or sink, but the floor tiles near the shower appear discoloured. What is the most likely initial step to identify the source of the leak?

Answer options:

• Perform a dye test in the shower drain. ✅ Check the caulking and grout around the shower base.
• Inspect the P-trap connections of the sink.
• Pressure test the hot and cold water lines to the shower.

Correct answer: Check the caulking and grout around the shower base.

Explanation: Before performing invasive tests, checking the integrity of the caulking and grout around the shower base is a simple and common first step, as these are frequent points of water egress that can lead to ceiling leaks. A dye test would be a subsequent step if the visible inspection doesn't reveal the issue, and pressure testing is more involved and typically for supply line issues.