Signs of a leaking shower

Warning Signs of a Shower Leak

You suspect a Leaking shower Repair may be needed but how can you know for sure? We have put together a list of signs of a leaking shower, Not sure if these signs apply to your shower? Sealtech Solutions will be happy to discuss your concerns with you to assess your situation and provide advice on how to fix a leaking shower

Trust your nose – If you can smell rot or mustiness this is a red flag that there is a leak in your bathroom possibly coming from your leaky shower. In addition to being unpleasant for those in the home, an unpleasant odour can also be a sign of mould and rotting which are even more serious issues. Mould and mildew thrive in humid and moist environments, and bathrooms with poor ventilation are certain breeding grounds. Not only are these bad for your health especially if you have asthma or allergies, prolonged exposure can irritate your eyes, skin, nose, and throat but mould spores also actually destroy materials in your bathroom such as wood this is what gives off that unpleasant odour. Some people try cleaning the mould with vinegar or store-bought solutions but unfortunately, if the mould has been there for a while it has made its way into the grout and is very difficult to remove. If you are going to try to remove black mould yourself you should always wear protective gear such as a face mask so you’re not breathing in the spores and gloves so you don’t come into contact with the mould then touch your eyes and be prepared for lots of elbow grease. The use of harsh commercial cleaners isn’t your grouts best friends. Cement grout is porous and will absorb the chemical leading to it breaking down. Missing grout in the shower will lead to water problems and a possible leak in your shower. The best prevention for mould and mildew in your bathroom is using exhaust fans or have open windows to reduce the moisture and humidity when having showers, let the simple squeegee be your best friends, after a shower or bath squeegee the excess moisture of the walls and shower screen, clean and disinfect bathrooms weekly. But if you have a leaking shower or a leak in the bathroom, get it fixed as soon as possible, the longer the leak is left the worse the damage.

Cracked or loose tiles – You may have noticed some movement beneath your feet due to moving tiles. There can be a few reasons why your tile is becoming loose some of which can be house movement, damaged grout, the tiles haven’t been installed with the correct amount of adhesive. Once the water penetrates underneath the tile it can destroy the bond and lead to the shower wall swelling causing tiles to fall off the wall or crack. In the case of floor tiles, they will either pop up or crack due to the pressure. This is not mentioning all the structural problems all the water penetration can create. As the shower is exposed to a lot of water frequently the damage tends to spread very quickly. The longer the problem is left untreated the further risk to greater structural damage and higher repair costs. The only way to stop your shower leaking is to seal all the places that water can penetrate.

Paint problems – Your paint might be trying to tell you something. Bubbling or peeling paint is common in bathrooms with poor ventilation and water damage especially near the shower. The high humidity and moisture found in bathrooms will always wreak havoc with your paint especially if it hasn’t been primed properly with a moisture-resistant primer or a cheap paint has been used. The excessive moisture or a bathroom leak commonly found in a leaky shower can also cause damage to bathroom ceilings. As well as being unattractive, damaged ceilings will worsen and cause serious structural issues. When the moisture gets in between the wall and paints it destroys the bond between the wall and paint which causes the paint to bubble from the wall and peel.

Resist the urge for a quick fix by painting over the problem area. Identifying the root of the problem will be more cost-effective in the long run.

Damp and damaged walls – This can be caused by something as simple as spraying water from the showerhead seeping between the missing or loose grout or something serious like a pipe behind the wall. If the wall is starting to warp and stain it’s a sure sign that there is water damage behind there. It’s always important to ensure a diagnosis has been done by a professional before carrying out any repairs. For less intrusive methods water meter’s or thermal imaging cameras are great in pinpointing the exact location of the leak.

Discoloured and missing grout – Loose or missing grout within your shower should always be sealed as soon as possible as this allows water to penetrate behind the tile to the waterproof membrane underneath. Discoloured grout is not only an eyesore but a sure sign you have a leaking shower. Left untreated for a long period it can lead to structural damage which will end up costing you more to fix. The condition and colour of the grout in your shower is one of the biggest signs you have a leaking shower needing repair and reveal how well the shower is functioning

The bathroom or shower door is jamming – this problem is often overlooked. But if you think about it, when a door is jamming or not closing properly, this is the sign of a bigger issue. A quick repair to a leaking shower can have several benefits including the proper functioning of bathroom and shower doors.

Stained timber underneath the floor – If you suspect an issue check the flooring beneath the bathroom. If it is stained or damp this is a good sign you have a leaking shower.

Do It Yourself or Not

As tempting as it might seem to do a Do it yourself fix consider the risks. Your home is your most expensive and valuable asset. Water leaks in your bathroom are a serious issue and therefore it only makes sense to have it repaired professionally by a trained technician for peace of mind.

Professional companies have the knowledge, tools and commercial-grade materials that normally aren’t found in a DIY kit. They will also have diagnostic equipment to accurately pinpoint the source of the leak.

Don’t ignore the signs of a problem. Long term shower damage will cost you more in the long run not just to your hip pocket but to your health if there is excessive mould in your bathroom.

Have any questions about Leaking Shower Repairs or Bathroom repairs, we would be happy to assist.

Sealtech Solutions we provide fast and quality affordable shower sealing solutions for shower repairs across Sydney. We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all our products and workmanship. Contact us for a free quote.