A Guide from the Experts at Speedy Shower Screens
Leaky showers are a common annoyance in any household, but they aren’t just frustrating. They can lead to water damage, increase water bills, and encourage mould growth. It’s important to address them promptly. While calling a professional is the safest bet, here are some DIY steps you can try, as well as signs of a more serious problem.
Finding the Leak
- Check the Grout and Sealant: Failing grout or sealant around the walls, floor or even the shower door frame is often the cause of leaks. Examine for cracked, chipped or discoloured areas.
- Look at the Shower Head: A dripping showerhead is a quick fix compared to more complex sources. First, see if simply tightening the connection between the showerhead and the pipe solves the issue.
- The Shower Drain: Leaks around the drain can sometimes indicate bigger problems that need a plumber’s attention.
Do-It-Yourself Leak Fixes
- Replacing Grout and Sealant:
- Remove existing grout with a grout saw, being careful not to damage tiles.
- Vacuum away debris, then clean with methylated spirits.
- Apply new waterproof epoxy grout, smoothing it out.
- Wipe tiles clean and wait for the grout to cure.
- Use a silicone sealant suitable for bathrooms around edges and seams.
- Fixing a Leaking Shower Head:
- Turn off the water and remove the existing shower head.
- Clean debris/buildup from the pipe threads.
- Wrap new plumber’s tape around the threads.
- Attach your new shower head (or the cleaned old one if it’s just a buildup issue). Tighten securely.
When It's Time to Call the Professionals
- Persistent Leaks: If none of the DIY solutions work, it might be a more complex issue within the shower plumbing.
- Widespread Water Damage: If you have signs of water damage beyond the shower area, call in the experts immediately.
- Structural Issues: If the shower pan itself is compromised or leaking, this will require professional attention.
Trust the Shower Experts: Speedy Shower Screens
At Speedy Shower Screens, we’ve fixed countless leaks in our years of servicing Melbourne and Victoria. While sometimes a simple fix works, other times you want the job done right to prevent bigger problems. We offer:
- Thorough leak detection
- Fast and reliable shower repairs
- Grout and sealant replacement
- New shower installation (if yours is beyond repair)
Don’t let a leaky shower become a major disaster! Contact Speedy Shower Screens for help at (03) 9850 9855 or contact us here.