How to Fix a Leaking Shower Floor

Have you ever experienced a leaking shower at some point in your life? Not only does a leaking shower floor cause disturbance, but if ignored, it can cause water damage, mould growth, and structural problems. In Australia, leaks must be fixed right away because bathrooms are at risk of moisture buildup. Read more of this blog to get a guideline with detailed instructions about how to seal a leaking shower floor. Let’s get started.

What Factors are Causing Your Shower Floor to Leak?

Shower floors in your bathroom direct water from the shower to the drain. Common causes that can lead to cracks and leaks are:

Movement

Earthquakes and severe vibrations from machinery can still shift a solid shower floor. Even if it does not crack, shifting it can leave gaps that allow water to pass through. This may happen if the grout crumbles or the floor was not properly slanted when it was installed.

Waterproofing

Leaks are frequently caused by waterproofing problems, such as wrong product selection, insufficient waterproofing, installation damage, or wrong mixing and application.

Poor drainage

When the drainage system where the shower drain is located is poorly designed or if there is too much trash in the drain, water can enter between the shower pan and the drain, pool in the surrounding area, and damage the floor.

Stone Tiles

Stone tiles might gradually deteriorate your shower floors since they absorb large volumes of water like stiff sponges. When shower floors leak, you may search for temporary fixes or delay fixing them. You should decide to fix the leak permanently to save time and money in the long run.

Common Signs of a Shower Floor Leak

Don’t ignore leaks in your home. Leaks can lead to severe floor damages, and they can affect your bathroom structure. The common signs of leaks to look out for are:

Grout or Sealing Problem

The grout is broken or missing, or there is no silicone sealant on the joints connecting the walls and floors.

Musky Odor

If the water can’t dry or get out of the shower area, it can cause mould to grow on shower walls. You can even experience a musky, earthy odour, which usually indicates a leak.

Water Stains

There are damp patches on the bathroom floor along the walls or outside the shower, and there are water stains on carpets and other surfaces in nearby rooms or at the entrance to the bathroom.

Watermarks on the ceiling under the shower indicate a serious leak, especially for bathrooms on the top floor. Check and caulk the shower drain, fill with water, and look for leaks below after 15 minutes.

How to Detect the Source of the Leak?

It is possible that the shower drain is leaking, but it is also possible that the shower floor is leaking if you notice a stain developing on the shower ceiling or if the flooring next to it is loose or damp. You can identify their exact location by performing the following tests:

• Spray Test: Apply water to the suspected leak spot and check for leaks after five minutes.
• Pressure Test: Have a plumber check the pressure in your pipes.
• Flood Test: Pour water onto the shower floor and block the drain. Keep checking out for leaks.
• Drain Leak Test: The area between the waste grate and the puddle flange may be the problem if there are no leaks during the flood test but they do during the spray test.

How to Seal Leaking Shower Tiles in 6 Steps?

So, what can you do about the leaks? We have, in this section, added a step-by-step guideline that you can follow to repair your leaking shower floor.

1. Gather Tools and Materials

• Shower plug to contain water temporarily.

• A grout scraper, sponge, caulking gun, and utility knife.
• Grout for filling gaps between tiles.
• Sponge and bucket for cleaning.
• High-quality silicone sealant such as Bostik Ultra Clear or Selleys Ultra to protect tiles and grout.
• Gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself.

2. Remove Old Grout

You don’t need to replace all the tiles, but you do need to remove the old grout. Use a grout removal tool to scrape out old grout, and remove any cracked or loose tiles with a chisel and hammer without damaging the waterproofing membrane. Clean the area thoroughly with a sponge and water, then let it dry completely.

3. Apply a Waterproofing Membrane

If waterproofing membrane is not present or damaged, use a new liquid waterproofing membrane with a brush or roller, coating the whole shower floor and going up the walls by a minimum of 150mm for a watertight seal. Dry to the manufacturer’s instructions, since more than one coat may be required.

4. Grouting and Sealing a Shower

Use painter’s tape to tape edges to get clean lines. As directed, mix the grout and use a rubber float to spread it. Press firmly into the gaps to eliminate any air pockets. A moist sponge can be used to remove extra grout.

5. Seal Shower Floor

Once the grout has set, which usually takes 24 to 48 hours, apply a shower tile sealer to create a water- and stain-resistant layer, especially where the shower floor meets the walls or drain. Apply a thin, even layer of silicone caulk to these spots, smoothing it with your finger or a caulking tool to seal shower floor.

6. Test the Repair

You can follow some shower plug instructions to test the bathroom floor for any leakage. Do the following:

• Get a plug: Block the drain with a shower plug. Push-fit plugs are designed to fit over waste pipes, whereas rubber suction plugs are suitable for flat drains.
• Insert carefully: Press firmly until no more space is left.
• Look for leaks: Fill the shower base with a few inches of water, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then check for any signs of leakage.

If the floor remains dry, your repair was successful.

Prevent Future Leaks

• Turn on exhaust fans before and after taking a shower.
• Use a mild cleanser to get rid of soap scum and avoid mould formation.
• Check the sealant once a year. At the first indication of wear, reapply.
• Don’t use harsh cleansers, as bleach slowly damages sealant and grout.

When to Call a Professional

You can take steps for sealing shower floor yourself to fix small leaks, but get expert assistance if:

• Leaks persist after resealing.
• Tiles sound hollow, suggesting underlying water damage.
• Mould recurs quickly, suggesting hidden moisture.

Final Thoughts

We have reached the end of our blog about how to seal a leaking shower floor​, and we are able to conclude that it takes more than just applying silicone to seal a leaking shower floor. You also need to use the right tools, practice your technique, and be careful.

If you are not confident about how to reseal a shower yourself, think of hiring a trained professional who can identify leaks behind tiles and properly seal any additional damage. In a day or two, your shower will be ready for use. Contact EZ Shower Repair & Tiling right now to get a free estimate for repairing your leaking shower floor.