How to Fix a Leaky Shower Base?
A leaky shower base is a situation where water escapes from the base of the shower due to cracks or damage on the base of the shower area. A shower base can leak due to cracks in the shower base, poor installation of the shower base, clogged or blocked drains, movements of shifting of the shower base, and high water pressure. You can follow these 7 steps to fix a leaky shower base.
7 Steps to fix a leaky shower base.
- Identify the source of the leak at the shower base
- Turn off the water supply
- Remove fixtures and accessories on the shower base
- Repair cracks and damages on the shower base
- Replace the sealant on the shower base
- Reinstall fixtures and accessories on the shower base
- Test the shower base for leaking
A leaky shower base causes severe water damage to the floor, walls, fixtures, and structure of the house. This can be prevented by waterproofing the bathroom floor and walls using a proper waterproofing membrane.
How to Fix a Leaky Shower Base?
You can follow the 7 steps below to fix the shower base leak.
- Identify the source of the leak at the shower base
- Turn off the water supply
- Remove fixtures and accessories on the shower base
- Repair cracks and damages on the shower base
- Replace the sealant on the shower base
- Reinstall fixtures and accessories on the shower base
- Test the shower base for leaking
1. Identify the source of the leak at the shower base
First, you should identify, where the leak is coming from near the shower base. In this step, you can inspect by visibility, moisture meter and using Dye tables.
You can visually inspect the area for leaks. You can use a flashlight to inspect the shower base, walls, and surrounding areas for visible signs of water damage, mold and mildew growth.
A moisture meter helps to detect hidden moisture in the walls and floor around the shower base.
You can place a Dye tablet in the water to see if colored water seeps through any cracks or joints near the shower base, helping pinpoint the exact source of the leak.
2. Turn off the water supply
You should turn off the water supply to the shower to prevent further leaks during the repairing process. You can use an adjustable wrench and pliers to turn off the valve completely to stop the water flow into the shower base area.
3. Remove fixtures and accessories on the shower base
You should remove fixtures such as shower heads and handles and accessories such as shelves or caddies on the shower base to prevent them get wet and water damage during the repairing process.
4. Repair cracks and damages on the shower base
You should seal cracks or damages on the shower base using an epoxy and waterproofing sealant. You can follow the below 4 step guide to repair cracks and damages on the shower base.
- Clean the leaky shower base area and let it dry.
- Use sandpaper to roughen the surface around the cracks, helping the epoxy adhere better.
- Use a putty knife to apply an epoxy or waterproof sealant over the cracks. Ensure it is evenly spread and covers the entire damaged shower base area.
- Allow the epoxy or sealant to cure on the shower base as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically it takes 24-48 hours for the proper curing.
5. Replace the sealant on the shower base
You should remove the old sealant and replace a fresh waterproof sealant. You will need a caulking gun, silicone caulk, utility knife, and masking tape for this step.
- Use a utility knife to cut away the old caulk around the edges of the leaked shower base.
- Clean the area thoroughly to remove any residue and let it dry completely.
- Apply a bead of silicone caulk using a caulking gun along the seams and edges of the shower base.
- Use a wet finger or a caulking tool to smooth the bead of caulk for a neat finish.
- Allow the caulk to dry for at least 24 hours before exposing it to water.
6. Reinstall fixtures and accessories on the shower base
You should reinstall the fixtures and accessories on the shower base that were removed in earlier steps. In this step, you should not drill, or cut the shower base area.
7. Test the shower base for leaking
You should check the shower base again for any signs of water leakage or moisture around.
First, turn the water supply back on and let the shower run for several minutes. Then use a flashlight to inspect the shower base and surrounding areas for any signs of leaks. Use a moisture meter to ensure no hidden moisture is present in the walls or floor.
What is a Leaky Shower Base?
A leaky shower base is a situation where water escapes from the base of the shower due to cracks or damage on the base of the shower area A leaky shower base causes damage to the surrounding areas such as the bathroom floor, walls, and subflooring. Water can leak through the shower base due to cracks in the shower base, poor installation of the showering system, clogged and blocked pipes, movements of shifting of the shower base, and high water pressure.
A prolonged leaky shower base can lead to serious issues such as mold and mildew growth and structural damages such as wood rotting, warping, wall paint peeling, and material detoriation. In order prevent water damages due to leaky shower base you should waterproof the bathroom to minimize the effect of shower base leaking.
What Are the Causes of a Leak Shower Base?
These are the 5 causes of a leaky shower base
- Cracks in the shower base
- Poor fixture installation in the shower base
- Clogged or blocked shower drains
- Movement or shifting of the shower base
- High water pressure
What Are the Water Damages Due to Shower Base Leaking?
These are the common water damages due to shower base leaking
- Mold and mildew growth on the bathroom floor and walls
- Structural damage to floors and walls
- Damage to subflooring of the bathroom
- Warping of wooden structures
- Staining and discoloration of ceilings below
- Peeling or bubbling paint and wallpaper
- Damage to bathroom fixtures and cabinetry
- Increased humidity and condensation issues in the home
To prevent these problems you should waterproof the bathroom floor and walls using a suitable waterproofing membrane.