Leaking Shower? Learn What To Look For, Causes & Repairs
The greatest threat to your shower is water leakage. A bathroom is supposed to collect all water and divert it via the drain system to the sewer lines. When this doesn't happen and water escapes through other channels, your bathroom has a leak. The leaking water will find its way to adjacent areas and cause moisture damage which can cost you a lot in the end. Take a look at how to find a shower leak and how professionals repair it.
How to tell your shower is leaking
Your shower can leak in varying degrees. Small leaks in the range of droplets are extremely hard to detect and can go on for months. That's because the water will get absorbed by the walls and floors so you won't be able to detect the leak. By the time you notice clear signs of water leakage; your shower may already be experiencing damage.
Common signs of a leaking shower include: mold, water stains on the walls behind the bathroom or the floors below it, rotting wood, puddles of water outside your bathroom, and in dire cases, running water under your bathroom floor.
Why is your shower leaking?
A shower leaks if water finds an alternative route to seep through. Ideally, water is supposed to flow along your tiles and into the drain system. However, this can change if you have the following:
- Damaged tiles: If your tiles are loose or cracked, water will seep through and leak from the shower. Water can also leak through tiles that have worn grout.
- Damaged shower trays: if your shower base is cracked or broken, water will accumulate under it. With time, this water will start to seep through the floor seeking an escape route.
- Poorly installed shower trays: If your shower tray is not well installed, water can seep between it and the bathroom wall, eventually leaking out of your bathroom. Another common cause of leaking bathrooms is worn sealant between the shower tray and the bathroom walls.
How to fix a leaking shower
If your shower is leaking find a contractor experienced in shower leak repairs. They can undertake the needed repairs depending on the problem at hand:
- If you have damaged or loose tiles, these will need to be replaced. If the grouting in your tiles is cracked or worn thinly, a regrouting service may be undertaken without retiling.
- If you have a damaged shower tray, a replacement is necessary. The tray will need to be removed and the tiling beneath it inspected. If you have no tiling under your tray, your contractor will recommend that you install some for added water protection.
- If your shower tray is fine but the silicone sealant is worn, it will be caulked afresh to proof water from seeping through.
If the damage caused by the leak is extensive, it may be necessary to remove and replace some of the timber flooring and/or walling to prevent mold, rot or termite damage. For more information, contact a business such as Regrout Services.