Plumbing 8 March 2023

Fixing a leaking shower

At Plumbing Angels, we recently had a call from a homeowner who was experiencing a leaking shower. We were able to solve the issue by replacing the silicone and ensuring a proper seal. In this blog post, we want to highlight the importance of fixing a leaking shower and why replacing the silicone is a crucial part of the repair.

Why Is Fixing a Leaking Shower Important?

A leaking shower might not seem like a big deal at first, but it can cause a lot of problems if left untreated. Here are some reasons why it’s important to fix a leaking shower:

1. Water Damage: A leaking shower can cause water damage to your bathroom and surrounding areas. Water can seep through the tiles, flooring, and walls, causing them to rot, warp, and develop mould. This can lead to costly repairs and even health problems.

2. Energy Wastage: A leaking shower can also waste energy, as it can cause your hot water system to work harder than necessary to maintain the temperature. This can result in higher energy bills and environmental impact.

3. Safety Hazards: A leaking shower can create safety hazards, such as slip and fall accidents, electrical issues, and structural damage.

Why Is Replacing the Silicone Important?

Silicone is a waterproof sealant that is commonly used to seal gaps and joints in bathrooms and kitchens. Over time, the silicone can deteriorate and become ineffective, leading to leaks. Here are some reasons why replacing the silicone is important:

1. Improved Sealing: By replacing the silicone, you can ensure a better seal and prevent water from seeping through gaps and joints.

2. Prevents Mould: Mould thrives in damp environments, and a leaking shower can create the perfect conditions for mould growth. By replacing the silicone, you can prevent moisture from seeping through and reduce the risk of mould.

3. Extends Lifespan: By maintaining your shower with regular repairs and replacements, you can extend its lifespan and prevent the need for costly replacements.

In Conclusion

Fixing a leaking shower might seem like a small task, but it can have a big impact on your home’s safety, energy efficiency, and lifespan. By replacing the silicone, you can ensure a proper seal and prevent water damage, energy wastage, and safety hazards. ## Make Sure It Really Is the Silicone

Before stripping anything out, work out where the water is actually coming from — the sealant gets blamed for a lot of leaks it did not cause.

• Run the shower with the door or screen open, so no water hits the joint, and see whether the leak still appears. If it does, the problem is the plumbing rather than the seal.
• Check the shower tray or bath waste underneath, and the trap.
• Look at the grout as well as the silicone. Cracked grout lets water behind the tiles just as readily.
• Check the screen seals on the door itself, which perish and are cheap to replace.
• Feel the wall below the tray on the other side. Damp there points to the tanking behind the tiles, which is a bigger job than resealing.

Doing It Properly

The difference between a reseal that lasts and one that fails in six months is almost entirely preparation. The old silicone has to come out completely — every trace of it — and the surface must be scrupulously clean and, crucially, bone dry before the new bead goes on. Silicone will not bond to a damp joint or to the residue of the last lot.

Use a sanitary-grade silicone with a mould inhibitor, fill the bath with water before sealing so the joint is at its widest, and leave it to cure fully before using the shower.

When It Is Not a Reseal

If water has been getting behind the tiles for a while, resealing the surface just traps it in. Where the wall is soft, the tiles sound hollow, or there is staining on a ceiling below, the tiling and the tanking behind it need attention — and that is a job worth doing once, properly.

Repairs are charged at £95 + VAT for the first hour, which is always billable, then £47.50 + VAT an hour after that. Materials are agreed with you before we fit them.

Call 01732 792 454 or see our plumbing services.