What To Do if Your shower Floor is leaking?

If you are not sure whether your shower base is leaking. We offer some suggestions for repairing a leaky shower base. There are additional methods for determining the source of the leak. If the shower is leaking from the base, one thing is certain: immediate action is required. The substrate and neighbouring structural sections will be harmed if repairs are delayed. Once the waterproofing barrier has been compromised, water can freely flow into other areas of your home. The sooner you have the repairs done, the less damage your house will sustain. We've included some pointers for locating the leak as well as some remedies on how to fix a Leaking Shower Floor.

Building movement is one of the most typical reasons of a leaky shower base. Within the shower, causing the wall-to-floor connectors to separate. Inside the shower, this includes the breakdown of silicone seals and grout. All of this contributes to water penetration beneath the tiles. Your waterproofing membrane will be damaged over time. Water may now readily go to the substrate of your home after this has occurred. Another source of leakage in the shower base is the grout lines. The grout within the tiles will break and fall out over time due to regular wear and tear and movement. Similarly, the silicone seals in your shower will degrade with time. Allowing water to collect between the tiles.

Finally, there might be a problem with the plumbing. It might be in the shower drain, faucets, or pipes. A plumber can do a pressure test to see if there are any problems with the pipes. To avoid clogging your drains, you should maintain them on a regular basis. There are easy techniques to unclog shower drains if they are clogged. As you can see, there are a variety of reasons for leaky showers. As a result, we always suggest that evaluations be performed by qualified and experienced specialists. As a result, you can be comfortable that the leak has been discovered and the proper shower repair has been completed.

Performing routine shower checks on a regular basis. Not only does this enable for the early detection of a shower leak. However, by limiting damage to the floor, it will eliminate the need for costly shower repairs. To begin, clean the shower and allow it to air dry. Examine the shower and its surroundings visually. Keeping the following points in mind

• Shower walls with mould
• Grout that is missing or cracked
• On wall-to-floor connectors, silicone seals are missing.
• Damp spots on the bathroom floor or nearby walls outside of the shower
• Water stains on carpets near bathroom entrances or in neighbouring rooms
• Paint that is peeling
• In neighbouring rooms, there are mouldy areas on the walls.
• In or near the bathroom, damage or swelling to skirting and architraves
• Water streaks on the ceiling or the walls immediately behind the shower

If you see any of the items listed above, it's likely that you have a Leaking Shower Base. A flood test will reveal whether the leak is coming from the shower base.

What is The Best Way To Fix a Leaking Shower Base?

There's no time to waste if your shower base is leaking. Repairs must be made as quickly as possible to avoid water damage to your home's substrate and surrounding framework. When it comes to fixing leaks in your shower base, consider the following suggestions. Cracked tile grout and weakened sealants are two of the most typical causes of shower bases leaking. As the seasons change, houses naturally expand and contract, causing the grout between your tiles to deteriorate. In certain circumstances, less expensive sealants like silicon can peel, enabling water to flow below.

You don't have to replace all of the tile in your Leaking Shower Floor to fix it, but you will need to remove the old grout. A grout saw is one of the most necessary instruments for this work. Micro saws start at a few bucks, and you can work your way up to an oscillating tool with a little less elbow grease. After you've removed all of the old grout, let the area dry completely before adding fresh grout. Today's grouts come in a variety of colours and some are also flexible, reducing the risk of cracking. Also, select the best shower waterproof sealant with a low absorption rate.

The first step in determining whether the leak is coming from your shower floor is to clean it and allow it to dry fully. After that, cover the drain with high-quality duct tape. Drainage should be covered by at least six inches on all sides. You'll need to switch to another water source, such as a hose or water from another bathroom. Fill a bucket halfway with water and use it to fill the shower.

You'll want to fill it up until the water level reaches the threshold level. You should be able to rule out the possibility that the leak is coming from the shower plumbing by using water from another source. You'll want to let your shower rest once it's been filled with water. You could observe water on the ceiling or in the basement crawl area, depending on where your shower floor is.

If you see a leak here, it's conceivable that the issue is with your shower's foundation, and you'll need to get an expert to fix it. If there are no symptoms of a leak after 15 minutes, the issue is not with the shower floor. 

This suggests that if you're willing to put in the effort, you might be able to fix the problem yourself. Now that you know why your shower is leaking, do the tests we recommended to find the source of the problem. It's either a water supply leak or a leak from the drain, faucet, shower floor leaking from base, or walls. Don't put it off any longer; call a plumber right once to remedy the situation before it becomes worse.

Megagrout MG11, for example, has a 0.0001% absorption rate, making it more waterproof than ceramic or vitrified tiles. After you've rerouted your tiles, let them dry completely before applying a sealant to the entire shower unit. This will assist to prevent any additional leaks and prevent water from seeping through any little gaps you may have overlooked.

If you don't feel sure in your ability to do your shower repairs yourself, hire a skilled expert. The most essential advantage of hiring a professional is that they can identify any additional damage to your property, such as water escaping beneath the tiles, and guarantee adequate sealing. A good expert may be in and out in a day or two, and your shower should be ready to use the next day after they've finished their job.

Tips to preserve bathroom renovation for a longer time

Plumbing emergencies can create havoc anytime even if you keep a watch on the plumbing issues. Plumbing maintenance is equally important as home maintenance because if you ignore plumbing issues indirectly it is going to affect home infrastructure. The bathroom is the important part of the home that always adds a unique reputation to the home when any guest visits your place. Especially if your bathroom is well furnished with beautiful interiors and designs, it gives hotel-like vibes. But the majority of people ignore the bathroom and plumbing issue when they are minor to save some expense but it could turn out to be a bigger expense later. If you notice a Leaking Shower Floor, then keep an eye on the issue and seek expert consultation before it turns severe.

Below are the important bathroom maintenance tips that can save you from bigger plumbing issues and expenses.

1) Ensure grout and sealants are in proper condition.

The grouts and sealants are more likely to get leakages and cracks over time because of continuous moisture and humidity. Also, mold and mildew are most common to grow under the grout areas, if you notice any mold growth then prefer to clean the grout area with oxygen bleach.

2) Check for leaking spouts and pipes.

Leakages in pipes and spouts should be repaired as soon as you notice them because over time it can affect the wall and house infrastructure due to moisture accumulation under the wall.

3) Check for damage signs around the bathtub and toilet.

Get timely inspected every corner of the bathroom especially under the bathtub, toilet flush, and other accessories. Leakage in bathtub and flush tank causes continuous water wastage and keeps the area moist all the time.

4) Check for signs of rot or decay.

The signs like rot and decay need to be treated by an expert immediately because it can grow fastly and affect other areas of the bathroom.

5) Check whether a tile is broken or loose.

If you notice the moving or loose tiles, Install the same tiles properly and clean the grout. It’s better to replace the area with new tiles if required.

6) Ensure proper shower head and faucet maintenance.

Showerheads can get clogged with water minerals and salt deposits so, it requires regular cleaning to get rid of unusual minerals and dirt from spraying on your hairs.

7) Have a habit of using drain covers

Using drain covers and the net will reduce the dirt and waste going into the drainage hence it will prevent clogging of the drain.

Endnote: Bathroom cleaning and maintenance is the crucial part of housekeeping that can save you from unnecessary plumbing expenses and preserve your bathroom renovation and plumbing service for long years. It also helps to prevent mold and other bacteria growth in the bathroom to maintain a clean and healthy bathroom space. If you notice any minor leaks or cracks in the bathroom accessories such as showers, sinks, or flush tanks, get your bathroom inspected by a Shower Base Melbourne expert to prevent future issues. Because if you ignore the issue today, it might require complete replacement in the future.