· Tiling Canterbury
A leaking shower is one of the most common — and most expensive — problems we see. Because the water escapes behind the tiles, damage can build up for months before anyone notices. Here are the warning signs to look out for.
The warning signs
- Staining, bubbling paint or swelling on walls next to the shower
- Swollen or discoloured skirting boards
- Lifting vinyl or carpet in the room next door
- Cracked, missing or permanently dark grout
- Mould that returns quickly after cleaning, or a persistent musty smell
- Loose tiles, or tiles that sound hollow when tapped
- Water pooling on the shower floor instead of draining
Why showers leak
Tiles and grout alone aren't waterproof. The membrane underneath does that job, and when it's missing, damaged or poorly detailed at corners, niches and wastes, water gets into the framing. Poor falls, failed silicone and movement in timber floors are other common causes.
How it's fixed properly
If it's just grout or silicone, a regrout and reseal can solve it. If the membrane has failed, the lasting fix is to remove the tiles, dry and repair any damaged framing, install a new waterproofing system and re-tile. We did exactly this for a Rolleston client whose ensuite leak was found just before he sold his home.
Worried about your shower? We'll inspect it and give you honest options.
Leaking shower repairs