Homeownership is something to take great pride in. However, when things break down, or appliances leak, it can become a major stressor.
A common example is if your shower starts to leak in your home. Even though a leaking shower head is fairly common, it can cause major spikes in your water bill and eventually damage the surrounding areas, such as the flooring.
If the supports in your home become moist, they can attract termites. Termites are pests that eat away the wood, which can cause extensive damage to your house and property.
Fortunately, leaks don’t have to end in serious damage, especially not if you catch them early! That’s why we’ve created this guide on preventing a shower leak in your home and what to do if you find a leak.
7 Tips on handling leaks in your shower
Below are our top ways you can spot a leak and fix it yourself. We’ve also provided some of our pro tips on how to prevent leaking in the first place. If you suspect a leak in your plumbing, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with our team today.
1. Cracked or missing grout
If the grout in your bathroom floor is missing or broken could be an indication of water leaking between the gaps in the tiles.
To test this, wet a small area of the wall with water and observe for cracks or holes. If there are holes, those areas will need to be re-grouted, even if the holes are tiny.
Applying tile grout isn’t a difficult process. You can purchase grout that’s premixed from your local hardware store, remove the old, cracked material, and follow the package instructions to reapply it.
2. Leaking shower head
Noticing a leak in your shower head? This common problem can lead to a lot of wasted water and the sound of constant dripping can get annoying after a while.
Over time, shower heads deteriorate, which can cause the internal components, such as O-ring cartridges, to become ineffective.
Additionally, a build-up of hard minerals in the shower head can corrode its internal components and can further irritate the problem. In regions with hard water, like Missoula, homeowners should take note and even consider investing in a water-softening system.
To isolate the issue, first shut your main water supply off. Next, disconnect the unit from the wall. Once you’ve inspected each component carefully you can replace any damaged or old parts.
If you’re not confident in your DIY skills, it’s best to seek the help of a pro plumber, such as our technicians here at Plumb-Tech.
We can identify the problem for you and help you get your shower back in working order.
3. Waterproofing failure
In wet areas of a home, waterproofing membranes are mandatory. This is the most important barrier that helps stop shower leaks.
Poor workmanship is the leading cause of waterproofing issues and is often due to a lack of time spent preparing and priming the surface for a watertight seal.
The waterproofing membrane cannot stick correctly if the area is warped or distorted, so if this is the case, it will require replacement.
If this is what’s causing the leakage, the shower will be out of service for several days. Replacing the waterproofing barrier is a long process, as the tiles must first be removed and then reinstalled.
We highly recommend leaving a job such as this to a skilled professional, as this is a fairly complex task requiring expert experience and technique. If you suspect your shower needs waterproofing, give us a call. Our experts are highly trained and experienced to handle all your plumbing needs.
4. Tiles need to be resealed
To protect the tiled surface of every shower, a silicone sealant is applied to create a barrier. However, this sealant can deteriorate over time due to constant use and exposure to water.
If left unaddressed, water can penetrate the surface and cause damage to the substructure of the building.
Fortunately, if your tiles aren’t damaged, and your grout doesn’t need to be replaced, you can just reseal it again. To do this, simply remove the old sealant and apply a new layer. Resealing your bathroom isn’t a lengthy process but it can save you a lot of hassle and money in the long run.
However, if you notice any issues with the sealant or notice any cracked tiling, it’s best to hire a plumbing technician to ensure the damage isn’t too serious.
5. Leaky drains
Every shower drain has what’s called a P-trap. Over time, the P-trap can disconnect from the drain or develop cracks beneath the fixture. Combine this with a leaking shower head, and you have a recipe for disaster.
This can cause water to start leaking into the substructure of your property, leading to visible stains on the ceilings of the levels below.
These leaks can also result in musty odors, mold growth, and damage to your home’s infrastructure.
If you suspect an issue contacting a professional plumber is critical to assess the situation and provide a solution. Ignoring the issue can lead to more extensive and costly repairs in the future.
6. Deteriorating silicone
Silicone is one of the best-known materials to prevent water leaks and protect the internal components of your home.
It’s more durable than tile grout and can endure the foundation shifting and settling that often occurs in newly built homes. However, overly wet and humid conditions can cause it to become cracked and moldy.
To fix this, remove the silicone seal and clear away loose bits and residue. Wipe and dry the area before applying the new silicone. Let it completely first before using your shower or turning on the faucet.
7. Poor shower design
Sometimes, a shower leaking water is the result of its design.
If your shower door is installed incorrectly, for example, if it’s beyond your shower hob (the raised edge that keeps water in), water can puddle on your bathroom floor. This can cause water damage to your bathroom tiles.
If your bathroom has a faulty design, contact a professional to reseal your bathroom for you. While you may be able to DIY it, a plumber’s trained eye will be able to identify any nooks and potentials for water damage.
If you have a leak, call Plumb-Tech.
If you’re in the Missoula area and need leaking shower repair, consider hiring one of our highly-trained plumbing technicians.
With nearly two decades in the industry, our plumbing technicians have the experience, training, and tools necessary for any plumbing issue you may run into.
From leaks in your bathroom to leaks in your backyard, we’ve got you covered. Contact Plumb-Tech today to get your leaking shower back in working order.
