What Are the Causes of Leaking Showers?

There’s nothing quite as frustrating as discovering a leaking shower in your bathroom. Not only is it a hassle to deal with, but a leaking shower can also cause significant damage if left unchecked. The causes of leaking showers can vary widely. In this blog, we’ll break down the most common causes, so you can identify the issue and take action to fix it.

The Common Causes of Leaking Showers

1. Building Movement and Expansion

One of the common causes of a leaking shower is the natural movement of your home. As buildings settle and expand or contract due to temperature changes, vibrations, or moisture, gaps can form at the areas where the walls connect with the shower floor. These gaps are often small but can be enough to allow water to seep through.

2. Damaged or Deteriorated Waterproof Membranes

Waterproof membranes are critical for preventing water from seeping into the walls and floor. Over time, the membrane can deteriorate due to constant exposure to moisture, causing it to wear down and allow water to escape.

3. Grout and Silicone Wear

Another common cause of a shower recess leaking is worn-out grout and silicone. Grout, which is used to seal the gaps between tiles, can crack or erode over time. Similarly, silicone seals around the edges of the shower or shower screen can degrade due to constant exposure to water and cleaning products.

4. Poor Installation

Sometimes, a leaking shower is the result of poor installation. If the tiles, waterproofing membrane, or plumbing aren’t installed correctly, water can begin to leak from the start, or the issue may develop over time.

5. Low-Quality Materials

Using low-quality materials can also lead to leaking showers. For example, cheaper waterproof membranes or low-quality grout and tiles are more susceptible to wear and damage, which can allow water to escape and cause a leaking bathroom.

Warning Signs You Have a Leaking Shower

It’s crucial to catch leaks early before they cause significant damage. Here are some common signs that your shower is leaking:

• Damp or Smelly Carpet: If the carpet near your shower feels damp or has a musty smell, it could be a sign that water is escaping from your shower and seeping into the surrounding areas.
• Cracked Tiles: Cracked tiles are a sign that your shower’s seal has been compromised, allowing water to escape and cause damage.
• Mould or Mildew: A damp environment is perfect for mould and mildew growth. If you notice black spots on the walls or grout, it’s a sure sign of a leaking shower.
• Discolouration of Walls or Ceiling: Water damage often causes paint to bubble or discolour on the walls, and sometimes even the ceiling in the bathroom.
• Swollen Timber Frames: If the timber around your shower, like door frames, becomes swollen or warped, it’s likely due to water exposure from a leak.

What Happens When You Ignore a Leaking Shower

A leaking shower might seem like a small issue at first, but it can lead to much bigger problems. Here’s what could happen if you don’t address the issue immediately:

1. Extensive Damage

The longer a leaking shower goes unchecked, the more extensive the damage can become. Water infiltration can gradually weaken walls, floors, and support beams, leading to compromised foundations.

2. Increased Utility Bills

Even a small leak adds up over time. Wasted water leads to higher utility bills, which could have been avoided with a simple fix.

3. Costly Repairs

Neglecting a leaking shower can result in escalating repair costs, including the need to replace flooring and potentially repair damaged woodwork and plumbing systems.

How to Fix a Leaking Shower

If you’ve identified that your shower is leaking, it’s time to take action. Here are some of the solutions:

• If the grout or the silicone seal has failed, you need to regrout the shower or reseal the edges with fresh silicone.
• If the waterproof membrane is compromised, it needs to be replaced. This involves removing the tiles, replacing the membrane, and re-tiling the shower.
• If the leak is due to faulty plumbing, it’s best to call a professional plumber to fix the issue.
• Replacing old, worn-out materials with higher-quality options will ensure that your shower remains leak-free for longer.

Conclusion

Dealing with a leaking shower can be a real headache, but understanding the root causes and signs can help you take swift action before the problem worsens. So, next time you notice a shower leak, you’ll know exactly what to look for and how to tackle the problem.

If you need professional help, don’t hesitate to call our team of plumbers in Sydney at Fix N Flow on 1300 319 275 or fill out our online form. The sooner you act, the less damage you’ll have to deal with.