A leaking shower can become a huge problem if water penetrates the surface. Not only does excess water increase your utility bill – moisture can damage the supporting structure and pose a health risk to friends, family and tenants.
To avoid spending possibly thousands of dollars on home repairs, you should call a plumber or waterproofing expert to fix your leaking shower. A visual inspection can reveal signs of damage and identify what needs to be done.
Whether you hire a professional who try to solve the problem yourself, here’s how to stop a leaking shower.
Replace Cracked or Broken Tiles
Cracked tiles provide an entryway for water to penetrate the surface and enter the supporting structure of the house.
These should be fixed or replaced to prevent moisture damage from encouraging mould growth or weakening the timber support structure.
Look for spare matching tiles in your property or get custom tiles to match the size and look.
Replace Tile Grout
Grout is used to secure bathroom tiles and seal the gaps between each tile. Grout is not waterproof and over time, it will wear down and start to crack or crumble.
When the grout cracks get large enough, they should be replaced with a cement-based grout containing biocide to resist mould and bacteria. To remove the old grout, clean and dry the surface, then use a power tool or manual extracting knife to ‘lift’ the grout from the gap.
Replace Movement Joints
Movement joints are silicone-based joints that establish a watertight seal between the wall and floor junctions in the shower. Sometimes, these joints are flexible silicone strips that allow room for building movement without degrading the watertight seal.
If your silicone joint has become loose or degraded, replacing them is one way you can stop a leaking shower. Simply remove the old joint and prepare the surface by cleaning, drying and applying anti-mould treatment to the surface.
Finally, install the new silicone strip and allow it to settle before using the shower again.
Clean the Shower Head
Sometimes knowing how to stop a leaking shower can be as simple as replacing a faulty shower head. These can leak when the inner seal becomes worn or the parts get clogged with debris.
First, turn off the main water supply and remove the showerhead by unscrewing it from the pipe with your hands. Showerheads don’t get removed often so they may not come off easily. If so, use pliers or an adjustable wrench to release the showerhead.
If the current showerhead can be salvaged, give the interior of the showerhead a thorough clean and remove any mineral deposits disrupting the flow of water. If the washer or o-ring has been worn down, replace it, and reinstall by wrapping the threads of the pipe stem with durable thread seal tape.
If the current showerhead is too damaged or worn down, replace it with a new one and check for leaks after being installed.
Still not sure how to stop a leaking shower? Get expert support from a waterproofing specialist. Call 1300 519 133 or make an enquiry to get a FREE quote and advice.
