Shower leaks: 7 common causes 

Finding out about a leak in the shower is among the most upsetting things a homeowner can go through. 

The primary causes of leaks are movement in the building and shifts in the foundation. These natural occurrences can occur more quickly in extreme temperatures and when building materials deteriorate. The movement of buildings puts stress on many components of the waterproofing and shower systems. Water seepage is made more likely by the possibility of tile grout chipping, the waterproofing membrane becoming less sticky, and expansion of the space between wall and floor joints. 

Shower leaks may cost you money, time, and grief. Your bills may skyrocket as a result of a water leak. Wet wood support beams from water intrusion into the substructure of the home can attract termites and jeopardise the structural integrity of the building. 

Determining the source of a shower leak is crucial. You may be able to find the problem on your own and save money even if you plan to hire a waterproofing specialist. 

These are the top 7 reasons why showers leak:

Broken Grout Tiles

Water seeping through the visible spaces between the tiles may be the result of cracked or missing grout. 

To determine if this is the case, conduct a quick test. Isolated wall sections can be sprayed with water to dampen the surface. Re-grouting these areas is necessary if you find any holes, splits, or cracks, no matter how tiny. 

The tile grout can be easily replaced. Grout can be purchased already mixed; just apply it yourself, then scrape off any excess.

Imprecated Fucet Shower

Leaky shower faucets are among the most common causes of leaky showers. They can ruin your day and waste litres of water with their annoying drip, drip, drip sound. 

After years of constant use, shower faucets start to deteriorate. O-ring cartridges can wear out and lose their ability to regulate the water flow. Hard mineral deposits can cause internal components to corrode and become clogged. 

To diagnose the problem, unplug the faucet and cut off the main water supply using an adjustable wrench. Check each component and replace any that are worn out or broken.

Drains That Leak

A P-trap, which is intended to prevent debris from creating deep clogs in the plumbing system, is connected to every shower drain. 

P-traps may eventually separate from the drain or fissures may develop beneath the fixture. Water seeps into the property’s substructure as a result. This will eventually cause stains to show through on the ceiling of the lower level. 

You should contact an expert if you think there may be a problem with your drainage or plumbing system.

Failure Of Waterproofing

It is legally required for damp areas of a home to have waterproofing membranes installed. They are the single most crucial barrier of defence against shower leaks. 

The majority of reasons why waterproofing fails are caused by shoddy workmanship. This is frequently the result of time constraints, meaning that insufficient time is spent priming and preparing the surface to guarantee an airtight seal. The membrane will eventually need to be replaced if there is noticeable distortion and warping of the surface. 

You may be without a shower for several days if the leak is the result of a failed waterproof membrane. Why? due to the lengthy process involved in having the tiles removed and then eventually put back.

Degrade Of Silicon

The purpose of silicone is to keep water from seeping through the spaces between the wall and floor joints. 

Silicone is resistant to the stresses caused by shifting foundations and building movement, unlike tile grout. However, if they are frequently exposed to damp conditions, they may become loose, cracked, or mouldy. 

Remove the old silicone strip and any remaining residue before replacing the silicone. Before using the shower again, make sure the surface is dry, fill the gap with fresh silicone, and let it dry. 

Shower leaks are uncommon, but sometimes the design of the shower is to blame. 

On occasion, the shower screen is installed incorrectly. It is positioned close to the edge of the opposite side rather than on the inside of the hob, leaving a short shelf on the inside of the shower. 

As a result, the water slides off the shower screen and onto the tile grout and stovetop. Water eventually seeps through the grout and damages the tile underneath. 

There isn’t much you can do to fix a badly done shower hob. But the possibility of water seeping through the surface and causing significant damage can be avoided with the help of a professional resealing service.

Tiles Require Resection

A silicone sealant is applied to each shower to create a shield over the tiled surface. 

Shower sealant may deteriorate with time and require replacement. Water leaks can be avoided with a quick resealing if your tiles are undamaged and your grout doesn’t need to be replaced. Re-sealing typically only requires a few hours and doesn’t require tile removal. 

You’ll be able to relax after that knowing that there’s no chance of water damage to your house.  

Maintenance World provides innovative waterproofing solutions that eliminate leaks without requiring tile removal. For a FREE quote, give 1800 782 949 a call or send details about your issue to [email protected].