Leaky showers are one of the most common defects a homeowner can face. In fact, leaking showers are one of the top items reported on a building inspector’s defect list. Given showers are one of the most used items in nearly every household, this highlights the importance of knowing what not to do when you face a leak in your shower. Ensure you aren’t costing yourself more money and more headaches down the track.

Our experts at Leaky Showers share their top leaking shower tips below.

Given that showers are one of the most used items in your home, are a wet area and partner with the high humidity in which we live here in Brisbane, they must stay in good condition or you will open yourself up to a host of problems down the track. Keeping your shower in good condition means cleaning it regularly and with the proper shower cleaning solutions to both prevent mould but also to not damage the sealant.

If you suspect a leak in your shower, it is imperative that you only use a licensed professional shower repairer to identify and rectify any leaks. Here are some additional leaking shower tips you need to know:

Don’t Ignore It

A leaky shower is not a problem that you can ignore. It won’t get any better, it will only get worse and the damage will compound. Additionally, aside from the unnecessary waste of water, it will also cause mould and mildew to grow on and in the walls, which can lead to health problems.

So what should you do if you notice your shower has sprung a leak? Well first off, don’t panic—it’s not as bad as it sounds! In fact, fixing a leaking shower isn’t too complicated. A qualified and trusted professional can identify and fix your leak properly and relatively easily if you get on top of it straight away.

Don’t Let It Go For Too Long

If you don’t fix the leak right away, it may eventually cause damage to other parts of your home. If you live in an older home where walls and floors aren’t insulated as well as they should be, water damage can spread quickly and lead to structural problems with your foundation or other parts of your home. Your minor shower leak just might become a very big deal.

Don’t Assume It’s No Big Deal

Let’s face it: you’re probably not a trained plumber, and even if you are, this is your Saturday and the last thing you want to do is spend hours trying to diagnose a leaky shower. The good news is that most showers will stay in one piece as long as they aren’t leaking much. But how can you tell if your shower is leaking?

You probably won’t be able to see any water coming out of the walls or ceiling. However, if there’s an obvious crack in your shower floor or wall that wasn’t there before the leak started, that’s how you’ll know something’s wrong. You may also notice dark stains on walls or skirting boards, changes or holes in your grout, or puddles on the floor after your shower.

Not Finding The Source Of The Leak

One of the most important leaking shower tips is to find the source! If you don’t know what the source of your leak is, then you can’t fix it. If you attempt to cover up the problem then you may have to start over later and the cost will increase drastically. It’s very important to find out where the water is coming from first so that we can ensure your problem is nipped in the bud as opposed to applying a band-aid solution.

Don’t Try To Fix It Yourself

One of our top leaking shower tips is to know is that if you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s best to leave the shower repairs up to a professional.

If you attempt to fix a leaky shower without knowing what exactly is causing it or how to fix it, there’s a good chance that you could make things worse. Leaks can be caused by several different issues, including:

  • A cracked pipe
  • An old or damaged valve or faucet (the part of the faucet that controls the water flow)
  • A corroded spout or showerhead

You may not be able to see any of these problems from outside the shower—and even if you can see something wrong with one of these components, the cause might not be obvious. If you’re debating a DIY plumbing repair, don’t do it. You may cause more damage, not fix the problem and risk a very expensive fix like an entire shower rebuild down the track.

Skim Coating

Skim coating is a band-aid solution to a leaky shower. It’s not going to fix your problem long-term, but it will be a temporary solution.

The reason skim coating works is that it seals the leaks and prevents them from getting worse. However, this only lasts for 1-2 years before you will have to replace your sealant again (or more). Also, keep in mind that even if you use this type of sealant on multiple showers in your home or business building, each one will last around 2 years before needing replacement again! Be proactive and do it correctly the first time.

A Leaky Shower Is More Than A Minor Inconvenience!

A leaky shower is more than a minor inconvenience. If not addressed immediately, it can cause serious damage and problems in your home and your health.

A leaky shower wastes water, which means you’re paying for more water than you actually use. It also leads to mould and mildew growth on the walls of your house, which requires extensive cleaning and repair work that could cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000! In addition to this problem being costly to fix in terms of time and money spent repairing the damage caused by mould growth, it also puts the health of you and other people who live in your house at risk due to increased exposure to mould.

If your shower has sprung a leak, do not panic. At Leaky Showers Brisbane, we are the experts. We provide fast, friendly and professional service to the Brisbane and Gold Coast areas. Contact us today with your concerns and we’ll help with your solution.