7 Common Causes of Leaking Showers

A leaking shower is among the most significant challenges that property owners face in Australia. Water leaks in your showers can be from grout chips from tiles, weakening of waterproofing membrane, and gaps at wall and floor joints that can significantly raise your bills and damage. All these contribute to raising the chances of water seepage through. Here are the 7 common causes of leaking showers and the remedial solutions, so that you can try to rectify them all without calling in bathroom renovation experts. Even when you hire a waterproofing specialist, you might still find out where the problem is, and you might save your pocket. We are here to help you resolve such issues in no time so you wouldn’t waste time, money, and frustration.

Causes of Leaking Showers

This section identifies typical causes with solutions to leaks that do not require bathrooms to be completely renovated.

• Cracked Tile Grout

Tile grout is a porous paste or material that fills gaps and cracks between the shower tiles. Grout crumbles, chips, and rots from constant exposure of water and cleaning products to it. That means there is seepage behind, causing leaks. Spray water droplets onto one wall of the shower, working along the grout lines. As you spray the water, observe the leaks. Carefully check your grout lines closely both before and after getting them wet. Look for gaps in the grout or what might look like holes.

What Can You Do to Fix It?

The grout should be checked regularly to see if it has cracks or gaps. Apply the grout remover to loose or damaged grout and remove. Clean the area completely and apply a new layer of grout. It should be allowed to dry before using the shower.

• Substrate Problems

This is the foundation beneath your shower tiles. It leaks whenever this substrate is not installed right, has damages, or is incompatible with the waterproofing system. Substrate problems usually result in full renovation, like the removal of tiles and waterproofing layers.

What Can You Do to Fix It?

The substrate problems necessitate complete rebuilds in your shower area. This is one of the most complex projects that only a qualified contractor can handle.

• Faulty Shower Faucet

Leaky shower faucets are one of the most common causes of leaky showers.

A leaking faucet may seem minor, but it can lead to significant water waste and increase your water bill. Over time, shower faucets start to deteriorate due to constant use. O-ring cartridges may deteriorate and fail to restrict the flow of water. Hard mineral deposits can cause parts inside to rust and stick together. Turn off the faucet by unscrewing it with an adjustable wrench to check the problem.

What Can You Do to Fix It?

Remove the showerhead or faucet and inspect the inner parts for wear or damage. Replace the worn or damaged parts or install a new faucet. Seek professional help from a plumber if the issue continues​.

• Tiles Need Resealing

Even if the grout is fine, the tiles themselves may lose their water resistance. A porous tile or a microcracked tile absorbs moisture, allowing leaks to form. Tiles in high-moisture areas, such as a shower, will eventually lose their seal, allowing moisture to penetrate the substrates and cause leaks. Regular resealing of the tiles prevents moisture infiltration and preserves both the tiles and the substrates beneath them.

What Can You Do to Fix It?

Set them with similar tiles and seal them with grout. They should be sealed with a high-quality tile sealer every few years to keep them water-resistant.

• Leaking Drains

As each shower drain has a P-trap, debris cannot build deep inside the plumbing and make its way back out. A clogged or damaged drain can cause water to accumulate in your shower and possibly seep into other areas. Eventually, this can cause leaks in the surrounding floor or walls. Hair, soap scum, and debris can build up in your drain over time, causing blockages or slow drainage. There could be leaks due to a damaged or cracked drain pipe. If you suspect there is a problem with your drainage or plumbing system, seek the expert.

What Can You Do to Fix It?

Keep the shower drain clean to remove any scum or muck that accumulates over time and causes a clog. This type of clog must be cleared with a drain snake or plumber’s auger. This clog can also be removed by cleaning drains with baking soda and vinegar.

• Waterproofing Failure

Damp areas of a building are legally required to have waterproofing membranes, which is the first line of defence against shower leaks.

The membranes that are at the bottom of the tiles prevent water from accessing the subfloor and walls. If we dig deeper, we find that most of the waterproofing failures are caused by time pressures that force the workers to compromise proper surface preparation for an airtight seal. When a surface becomes damaged or warped, it should be replaced with a membrane. This could leave you without a shower for several days as the process to remove and reinstall the tiles takes time.

What Can You Do to Fix It?

If damage or a missing waterproof membrane is found, it requires immediate action, like removing some shower tiles to install a new membrane. A professional property maintenance service can assess the situation and suggest the best possible action.

• Silicone Degradation

The silicone prevents water from penetrating to the joints between the wall and floor.

It goes without saying that silicone used around the shower edges is prone to deterioration. It may eventually flake off or lose functionality, allowing water to leak out again. Unlike tile grout, silicone can withstand stresses caused by foundation movement and building shaking. However, if they are frequently exposed to damp conditions, they will become loose, cracked, or mouldy.

What Can You Do to Fix It?

Remove the old silicone strip. Clean the area thoroughly, apply a fresh layer of waterproof silicone sealant, and let it dry. Before using the shower again, check that the surface is dry. This simple fix can extend the life of your shower​

• Tips to Avoid Future Leaks

• Schedule inspections for wear & tear or damage.
• Only use high-quality materials for repairing and replacing.
• Hire licenced contractors for installation and waterproofing work.
• Conduct regular inspections of grout, silicone, and tiles.
• Fix little leaks before they become significant problems.
• Use professional water proofing when upgrading bathrooms.
• Clean your shower area with products that will not damage the grout or silicone.

Fixing the Shower Leak

Water leaks in showers are typically caused by either simple wear and tear or complicated plumbing. If in doubt, seek the advice of an experienced maintenance professional for an inspection and solutions to your shower problems. Once you have identified the source of the leak, deciding how to remedy it becomes simple. Call a professional for covert leaks; for seals or grout, you can do it yourself with internet tutorials and local supplies, or hire an expert. Even though hiring is expensive, it saves time and reduces stress. Regardless of your decision, fix the leaky shower right away to minimise further damage.

Do You Need Assistance With a Shower Repair?

At EZ Shower Repair and Tiling, we can readily identify ways to tackle shower leaks efficiently if you face any of the 7 common causes of leaking showers. Realign your tiles, reseal, and water seal your shower as it was when it was at its peak glory using high-quality materials and modern technology, and you will be happy with both conventional service and value for money.

Reach out to us at 0415 649 786 to schedule an inspection and avoid more damage to your bathroom in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Toowoomba.