Is the grout within your shower cracked or moldy? If so, your battery is probably leaking.
An untreated leaking shower can cause significant damage to your health and home. Once moisture enters the substructure of your property, it can be a catalyst for unwanted mold, which can damage your property’s structure, lead to serious health conditions, and attract unwanted pests.
To effectively regrout a shower, you first need to locate the cause of the leak.
The Main Causes of a Leaking Shower
There are four main reasons to restart a shower. Once you have located the cause of your leaking battery, you’ll need to find a long-term solution to fix the problem.
Grout and Silicone
Cracked grout or silicone is the most common cause of a leaking shower. In most cases, mold will start to form near the cracks, a telltale sign that they are leaking and potentially damaging the area behind the wall.
As not all leaks are visible to the naked eye, a moisture meter should be used to accurately locate any leaks within the walls and recess of a shower. This invaluable equipment detects residual water or moisture within the walls, bricks, timber, and tiles.
Once the leaks have been identified, the old grout should be removed. This can be achieved using various tools, from a diamond-tipped blade to an electric rotary. The grout should be removed to a sufficient depth where the cracks are no longer present.
Following this, the areas should be prepared and injected with epoxy grout. Epoxy grout is far superior to standard grout, long-lasting, and 100% waterproof. solution
In most cases, there is no need to remove the tiles when repairing the grout or silicone.
Lastly, you should avoid using the shower for at least 48 hours to allow the grout to dry.
Shower Heads & Taps
Leaking showerheads or taps are also a common occurrence in Perth homes.
In many cases, the leaks are caused by damaged valves, which are relatively easy to replace. Many YouTube videos provide detailed instructions on how to replace a damaged valve.
Alternatively, if the head or tap is damaged beyond repair, it must be replaced with a new unit.
Shower Screens
Cracks or perforations to the silicone between your shower screen and recess can cause leaks and be a molded catalyst.
A specialized knife should be used to remove the faulty silicone. The area should then be prepared and cleaned before new silicone is applied and left to dry.
In extreme cases, the shower screen may be cracked or damaged, and a new screen must be installed.
DIY or Engage a Professional?
Although some leaking showers can be fixed with a DIY solution, it is best practice to engage the services of an experienced regrouting or plumbing company in most cases.
Epoxy Grout Worx
Epoxy Grout Worx is a certified installer of industry-leading Mapei Kerapoxy Grout. This superior solution is slip-resistant, highly effective on indoor and outdoor applications, and accompanied by a 25-year product warranty.