Leaky showers are not just frustrating. If not fixed, they can cause water damage, higher bills, and even mould. We're certain you've leaked your shower at one point or another if you've had one. Fear not, though—whatever you wish to do about the leak, or if you need to hire a professional, this article will guide you through all you need to know about shower leak repair and drying out your bathroom and making it safe.

Why shower leaks happen

Leaks are caused by a number of different issues, some of which are more frequent than others. Fixing leaks occurs through understanding why the leak is happening. For further information regarding Australian plumbing codes, refer to leaks, environment, land, and water, which detail required plumbing codes and security measures that prevent leaks.

1. Worn-out seals and grout: Shower seals break down, and water penetrates small cracks.

2. Cracked tiles: Broken tiles split and allow water to seep through them and into walls or floors.

3. Plumbing: Water leaking from inadequate connections, corroded pipes, or worn washers behind walls.

4. Inspect seals and grout deterioration regularly.

5. Inspect tiles for looseness or cracking

How to identify a shower leak
Most of the time, my source of repair for past leaks is the grout or silicone caulk in between the joints. My sole customer last week had a leak because the grout lines cracked in the tiles' back regions on the ground. It wasn't hard to do, but only after disassembling the bottom row did we find out where the leak was.

Before continuing and attempting to repair it, you must be aware of where the leak is. The following are some tips on how to know whether you have a shower leak:

1.  Water spots and mildew: If you notice mould or water spots on the surrounding ceiling or floor, there is a chance that there is a leak.

2. Stale smell: You would also come to know that there's a penetrating stale smell inside the bathroom that tells you that there is mold or water damage inside the walls.

3. Moisture meter: With a moisture meter, you will be able to search for concealed moisture in the walls, and that will warn you where you will have to probe more specifically.

4. Be vigilant for watermarks on the ceiling and floor

5. Observe the visible growth of mildew or mould

6. Use a hygrometer for better diagnosis

DIY shower leak repair tips

If you are capable enough in your own hands, there are certain elementary repairs that you can undertake yourself before you approach a professional. The following are some elementary repair procedures:

1. Regrouting: Whenever grout between the tiles is lost or cracked, you need to regrout. Remove old grout, clean the surface, and apply a new layer.

2. Resealing: When silicone sealant is worn away, remove old sealant by scraping and insert new, good-quality silicone. Let the surface dry first.

3. Replacement of tiles: 

When working on these fixes, remember that quality matters. One client I helped had been using a cheap silicone that didn’t hold up well. After switching to a better brand, their leaks stopped completely.

1. Use a high-quality grout and sealant for long-lasting repairs

2. Remove old sealant and reapply fresh silicone

3. Replace broken or cracked tiles promptly

When to call a professional plumber

Some shower leaks are just too complicated or too deep within the plumbing system to fix on your own. If you notice the following issues, it might be time to call in a professional:

1. Hidden leaks behind walls: If water is coming from a pipe inside the wall, a professional plumber will be able to locate and fix the leak.

2. Structural damage: If the leak has caused significant damage to the flooring, walls, or ceiling, it’s best to bring in an expert.

3. Unexplained water damage: Sometimes, the source of the leak isn’t immediately clear, and an experienced plumber can conduct tests to identify the exact cause.

How to prevent future shower leaks

Don't settle for anything less than quality because that is what is most important when making such repairs. One of my previous customers had used low-quality silicone that was not trustworthy. With the upgrade to a quality brand, the leaks became a non-issue altogether.

1. Hidden wall leaks: If you see water dripping from behind a wall via a pipe, a professional plumber can find and repair the leak.

2. Structural damage: If the leak would have resulted in serious structural damage to the ceiling, floor, or walls, it is advisable to call a professional.

3. Hidden water damage: In some cases, the cause of the leak might not be visible, and a professional plumber can conduct tests to determine why there's a leak.

4. Check seals and grout regularly: Check the shower seals every year to ensure they are still intact.

5. Ventilate: Humidity is where mould and mildew grow, and it makes leaks worse. A well-ventilated bathroom will keep things dry.

6. Catch small issues early before they become big ones: Don't wait to seal small cracks in the tiles or grout—do it now to prevent future big leaks.

Conclusion:
Maintenance will prevent you from getting so many headaches, in my opinion. My client had a leak that was easy to repair because they identified the shower seals. They managed to get it done before it turned into a very big problem.

Fix small problems once identified. Shower leakages may appear to be a small issue, but they can end up doing a lot of damage if you are not prompt. And if you want to deal with small issues on your own or get a professional to assist you, being punctual about it is most important in a bid to prevent more damage. Always inspect your shower from time to time and address any possible issues before they become big problems. Here are more tips and prevention on how to prevent shower leaks.