Are you looking for ways to fix a leaking shower? There might be several reasons why your shower is leaking. Do not fall for low-cost contractors that recommend ripping up the tile and installing new flooring.
Often people believe there is a leaky pipe or drain when they detect stains on the ceiling below their bathroom or excessive water accumulation around the tub or shower area. That isn’t always the case for a leaking shower, and you shouldn’t jump to that conclusion and hire someone to remedy an issue that doesn’t exist.
Examine the shower caulking and grout surrounding your bathtub or shower, before concluding that if you have leaky pipes.
Regular shower care and repair is important, as the grout and caulking should be maintained on a regular basis. Cracks in the caulking or the grout between the tiles might emerge if they are ignored. This allows moisture to pass through.
It’s critical to fix the leaking shower issue right away to avoid more damage, especially to the material underneath the tiles and the wall. If you notice a leaking shower before it causes serious damage, you may repair it without replacing the tiles.
Neglecting leaks may result in a variety of major health issues caused by mold or mildew, as well as costly repairs due to water damage to your drywall, flooring, and foundation.
Learning how to diagnose and repair the most frequent causes of a leaking shower without removing any tile may save you a lot of time, money, and aggravation in the long run.
What are the common reasons for leaking showers?
- Damaged Grout
- Damaged Caulk
- Unsealed Tile
- Shower Door Leaks
- Cracked or Broken Tile
How can you tell if your shower is leaking?
- Water stains on the floor or ceiling
- Mold growth
- swollen floorboards, skirting boards, walls, or cabinets.
- A musty or damp odor in the bathroom or neighboring bedroom
- Peeling/damaged wallpaper
- Loose or wobbly faucets
- Water puddling on the bathroom floor
Some quick tips on fixing a leaking shower.
- Remove any existing grout.
The initial stage of fixing a leaking shower is getting rid of the existing grout and mold formations. This could be done using a rotary tool, simply run the tool along the existing grout from one end to another, any leftovers can be removed using a blade or flathead screwdriver. It is best to remove all the existing grout while not focusing only on the deteriorated spot as it too could be damaged but isn’t showing any signs yet.
- Cleaning in between the tiles
Once you have gotten rid of all the existing grout, in between the tiles should be cleaned thoroughly to remove all the dust, dirt and other waste materials present between the tiles. For this purpose, a vacuum and a hand brush would be sufficient as they would make it easier in removing small particles between the tiles.
- Replace any damaged tiles and re-grout the surfaces
Any loose or damaged tile either on the shower wall or base should be replaced and new grout should be applied. It is best to replace a damaged tile even if it’s not required since it can lead to another problem in the long run. For this purpose, you will need a pair of safety gloves, premixed grout, a grout molder, and a few other tools.
- Remove any waste materials
Once the grout has completely dried, wash the shower floor or base with water to remove the grout leftovers. A sponge could be used to get rid of any debris or waste by rubbing it in a circular motion on the tiles.
- Use silicone to seal the shower.
The final step is sealing the shower. Once the bathroom has completely dried, it is best to fill the internal floor wastes with silicone sealant. Begin at the edge and go across the tile groove with a single clean stroke. Then, using your finger, press down the length of the sealant to ensure there is no air gap. Apply another coating of silicone on top of the previous one and gently rub it across the surface with damp fingertips.
Should you hire a Professional or DIY?
Once you’ve identified the source of the leaking shower problem, you can either attempt to fix it yourself or get help from a professional.
If you know what you’re about to tackle, going the DIY method can save you money. However, inadequate Knowledge on certain aspects of the repair process may lead the present water damage to worsen, costing you even more money to repair!
If you’re not the most skilled handyman on the block, there’s no shame in getting some professional help (Shower Care and Repair Service) to repair your leaking shower.
One thing you can’t get with a do-it-yourself strategy is peace of mind. Most professional services provide a workmanship warranty that protects you against water leaking. If the shower leaks again during the warranty term, the repair will be free of charge.
Do you need a professional to repair your leaking shower? Our shower care and repair team at Dynamic Tile and Grout Care can get the job done for you, without removing ANY tiles.
Call Dynamic Tile and Grout Care on 1300 11 99 76 to request a FREE quote today!
Read More, The benefits of professional high pressure cleaning for Melbourne homeowners