The Causes of a Leaky Shower
We’ve all experienced it. The incessant ‘drip-drip-drip’ of a leaky shower that just won't stop. This mind-numbing sound is not only annoying, but it could be a sign of a problem with your shower. No matter what kind of bathroom you may have, whether it be a shower enclosure or a shower head over your bath, there is still a chance you could experience a leaky shower. But what is the cause of a leaking shower and how can you stop it?
In this blog, we will delve into the common causes of that soul-destroying leak and what you can do to prevent it...
Leaking Shower Heads
A loose or improperly connected shower head can lead to pesky water leakages. This is a common issue found in our bathrooms and although there can be many reasons behind why you might have a leaking shower head, including changes to the water pressure, a loose connection is usually the number one culprit.
When the shower head is incorrectly installed, you will usually find that water begins to leak around the neck of the fixture, resulting in that loathed dripping sound once you've switched your shower off.
Solution: Dripping shower heads can be extremely frustrating, so we suggest tightening the connections using a spanner, ensuring a snug fit without over-tightening, which could cause damage. If the problem persists, consider using the plumber's tape on the threads before reattaching the showerhead.
Worn-out Shower Valves
One of the primary culprits behind a leaking shower is a worn-out or faulty shower valve. The valve controls the flow and temperature of your water, and over time, it can degrade due to regular use. After a while, shower valves can result in water escaping even when the shower is turned off (which in turn results in that extremely infuriating dripping sound once again...).
Solution: Unfortunately, the best solution for a leaky valve is simply to get a replacement. Be sure to contact a professional plumber to ensure proper installation and a watertight seal.
Faulty Shower Trays
Although we’ve talked a lot about the testing dripping sound of a leak, some water leakages are a little quieter, making them much harder to detect. Shower trays can be another place where you’ll find leaking water, but you probably won’t hear that aggravating sound along with it...
With shower trays collecting so much water in one go, it’s imperative that they’re sealed correctly in order to stop any unwanted leaks from occurring. So, if you do discover a leaking shower tray in your bathroom, check all the joints around the tray before considering that it could be an issue with the plumbing.
Solution: thoroughly check around the shower tray to see if all the joints are fully sealed. If you spot any cracks or holes, apply fresh silicone sealant to the area. If you’re still struggling to find the reason, you may have to remove the shower tray to see what’s happening underneath and call in a professional plumber for help.
Tired Bathroom Sealant
There is nothing worse than looking at perfect tiles around your bath or inside your shower enclosure and seeing the silicone sealant looking anything but its usual pristine colour. No matter how often you clean your bathroom suite or how little you use it, sealant can begin to wear away, causing your shower to leak.
Due to persistent water damage and fluctuating temperatures in your bathroom, the sealant around your shower fixtures can deteriorate over time, leading to leaks. Be sure to check the seals around the showerhead, handles, and tap for signs of wear and tear.
Solution: Detect the aging sealant in your bathroom and carefully chip it away using a chisel and white spirit. Then, use a sealant gun to reapply your sealant, not only giving your bathroom a clean finish but also preventing any more water leaks. Here at Plumbworld, we offer a selection of sealants that are easy to install, providing a cost-effective solution to stop leaks.
For more information on bathroom sealant, read our blog: Bathroom Sealant – Keep it Looking Crisp and White.
Damaged Grout
If you’ve tried tirelessly to re-grout or reapply all the sealant in your bathroom and nothing seems to be working to solve the problem, then it could be the grouting in the tiles that is the issue. Grout can break away or crack over time, resulting in gaps for water to slip through, so check there are no issues with the grout or tiling in your bathroom. If there is, use a small tool to easily scrape away the existing grout and re-grout to eradicate the issue.
Cracked or deteriorating grout in your shower enclosure can also allow water to infiltrate the walls and subfloor, leading to those unwanted leaks. This is a common issue, especially in older bathrooms.
Solution: Carefully remove any old grout, then thoroughly clean the area and reapply fresh grout. This not only prevents leaks but also enhances the appearance of your shower for an added bonus!
Find out more about re-grouting in our blog: How to Remove & Replace Grout From Tiles.
If you found this post useful, you may also be interested in - Benefits of Dual Shower Heads - Rainfall Showers and Rainfall Shower Heads - How to Install a Shower.
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