Tips to Deal with Leaking Shower Tiles
Grout is the most important component added to shower tiles. When tiling your shower, you have to make it completely waterproof. When the grout is properly installed by a professional, the likelihood of it developing cracks is very little. On the other hand, if the shower is old and has been used for a long time, the grout could have formed cracks, weakening it and making it easy for water to seep through. If your shower tiles are leaking through the grout, it might be time to repair or even replace the entire structure. Here are some top tips to help you deal with a leaking shower.
Waterproofing the Shower Membrane
The easiest way to deal with a leaking shower is starting with the membrane. The shower pan liner is supposed to extend at least three inches above the height of the top of the kerb. In addition to a properly installed membrane, the shower pan is supposed to have a moisture barrier behind the wall or the substrate. If you are used to DIY repair projects, you can check and see whether all these conditions were met when your shower was being designed. If one of these elements is missing, you will have no choice but to tear apart the unit and replace the parts.
Use of a Silicone Sealant
Another way that you can waterproof the floor of your shower is by using a silicone sealant. This is a process that is extensive and will need you to be very keen. Start by removing all the cementitious grout on the floor tiles and the wall tiles of the shower. When all traces of grout are clean, use a silicone sealant on all the joints. This will block the unnecessary flow of water.
Fixing the Leak
If the leak is coming from a problematic plumbing line, it would be smarter to repair the damage as opposed to keeping the water off the floor. Call in a plumber and have them assess the source of the floodwaters. A leaking pipe can be repaired or replaced before it becomes a huge water damage issue in the home.
Leaking showers can be quite an inconvenience, especially when the problem is left unresolved. Do not fall into the trap of trying a DIY fix, unless you are very sure that you can handle the repairs on your own. Call in a professional who offers leaking shower grout repairs to help you locate the source of the leak. They will also recommend the best solution to fix the leak.