Regrouting a Shower: Tips to Prevent Leaks

Have you noticed water pooling on the bathroom floor outside your shower? The grout lines may appear cracked or discoloured, and a persistent musty smell lingers despite your cleaning efforts. You might also see the paint on the adjacent wall beginning to bubble or the wooden door frame near the shower swelling due to excessive moisture.

It’s easy to assume that a pipe has burst behind the wall. in many cases, water seeps through damaged grout and deteriorated silicone. A simple process of regrouting and resealing can effectively stop that leak without the need to remove a single tile.

This detailed guide explains when regrouting your shower is an effective solution for leaks and when it might not be sufficient. You’ll also find comprehensive information about the regrouting process when you choose to work with Leaking Showers Sealed, including how long you should refrain from using the shower afterward. If you suspect that the grout is the source of your issues, our dedicated shower regrouting page provides an extensive overview of our regrouting services in North Richmond, the Hills District, and the North Shore.

Can Regrouting Effectively Fix My Shower Leak?

• Regrouting can successfully stop leaks caused by water escaping through damaged grout or silicone.
• We replace old grout with Ardex EG15 epoxy grout, a non-porous material, and reseal corners and junctions using Ardex neutral cure silicone.
• Your tiles remain intact, allowing you to resolve a leaking shower without extensive renovations or tile removal.
• If the leak originates from a faulty pipe, drain, or tap, you will need to consult a plumber. A compromised membrane beneath the tiles will require tile removal, meaning a regrout alone will not resolve these problems.
• It is recommended to wait at least 24 hours before using the shower again.

Contact Leaking Showers Sealed if you’ve noticed mouldy grout, a damp smell, or water leaking around your shower.

Understanding Shower Regrouting and Its Importance

Shower regrouting is the process of removing old, cracked, or mould-infested grout from between your shower tiles and applying new grout to restore a proper seal between the joints. At Leaking Showers Sealed, we use Ardex EG15 epoxy grout, which is non-porous, preventing water and mould from penetrating, unlike traditional cement grout.

Over time, grout can deteriorate due to exposure to hot water, cleaning chemicals, and minor structural shifts. This degradation leads to cracks and pinholes that allow water to seep through the joints, even when the tiles themselves appear intact. Often, this damage remains concealed as water accumulates behind the tiles and beneath the shower floor.

Regrouting reinstates these joints, restoring the shower’s watertight qualities. It also removes unsightly stained grout lines that can make a clean bathroom look aged, all without the cost and disruption of a full renovation.

Will Regrouting My Shower Eliminate the Leaks?

Regrouting is effective in stopping leaks when water escapes through damaged grout or silicone, which are common causes of shower leaks. The first step is identifying the source of the water to assess whether regrouting is the right solution.

When Is Regrouting and Resealing the Optimal Choice?

Regrouting and resealing is the preferred method when you observe cracked, crumbling, or missing grout, or mould that returns shortly after cleaning. It is also effective if the silicone around corners and the shower base has split or come away. In these cases, the tiles remain intact, and water is leaking through the joints.

When Is It Necessary to Consult a Plumber Instead of Regrouting?

If the leak originates from a pipe inside the wall, the shower drain, or a tap, regrouting will not rectify the issue. We work alongside plumbers, and if our inspection reveals an issue with a pipe, drain, or tap, we will provide a detailed explanation and refer you to a plumber for further assistance.

What If the Waterproofing Membrane Beneath the Tiles Is Damaged?

A waterproofing membrane is located behind the tiles and under the shower floor. Prolonged exposure to water through the grout can compromise this membrane. Replacing a failing membrane requires tile removal, which is considered renovation work that we do not undertake.

Andreas, who holds NSW licence 89111C, is experienced in waterproofing. Our team is trained to identify a compromised membrane. If we determine during our inspection that your shower needs more than a simple regrout, we will notify you before any work begins.

Addressing the issue at the first signs of trouble helps protect the membrane. Fresh epoxy grout and new silicone provide a barrier against water, making it crucial to address cracked grout before further damage occurs.

Identifying the Need for Shower Regrouting

Look out for the following signs that indicate your shower may be leaking through the grout and silicone:

• Cracked, loose, or absent grout between the tiles
• Mould that quickly reappears after cleaning
• Pervasive damp odours or visible moisture damage near the shower
• Water pooling outside the shower or leaking into adjacent areas
• Bubbling paint, discoloured walls, or soft floorboards
• Tiles that feel loose or sound hollow when tapped

If you observe any of these symptoms, it’s likely that the grout and silicone are no longer effectively retaining water within the shower. Tiles that sound hollow when tapped, often referred to as drummy tiles, may need to be refixed before resealing the shower, and we check for these during our inspection.

What to Anticipate During the Regrouting Process with Leaking Showers Sealed

The regrouting process at Leaking Showers Sealed comprises five essential steps, ensuring that your tiles remain undisturbed throughout.

Step 1: Inspecting the Shower and Identifying the Leak Source

We conduct a thorough examination of the grout, silicone, tiles, and surrounding areas to determine where the water is escaping. If our inspection uncovers a problem with a pipe, drain, or tap, we will inform you prior to scheduling any regrouting.

Step 2: Removing Old Grout and Silicone

We carefully cut out the old grout and remove all existing silicone, including any layers applied over previous silicone. New grout cannot bond effectively to old grout, making it crucial to start with a clean base.

Step 3: Thoroughly Cleaning the Tiles and Exposed Joints

We ensure the tiles and empty joints are meticulously cleaned to eliminate soap scum, dust, and mould, ensuring that the new grout adheres properly to a clean surface.

Step 4: Applying Epoxy Grout to Regrout the Shower

We fill the joints with Ardex EG15 epoxy grout. For a shower base seal, we regrout the shower floor, the floor-to-wall junction, and the perimeter. To ensure a complete shower seal, we also regrout every wall grout line.

Step 5: Resealing Corners, Junctions, and Tap Flanges

We apply Ardex ST neutral cure silicone to reseal internal corners and junctions. For a complete shower seal, we also ensure the tap flanges are sealed.

Typically, a shower base seal takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete, while a full shower seal for both walls and floor usually requires 4 to 5 hours. You must wait at least 24 hours before using the shower again to allow the grout and silicone to cure properly.

Can Regrouting Eliminate Shower Mould?

Regrouting effectively removes mould that has penetrated the grout, as the mouldy grout is replaced. Surface cleaning with bleach or mould sprays only addresses the outer layer, allowing mould to return since it resides within the grout where water gets trapped. For further insights into why shower grout becomes stained and damaged, please refer to our guide.

Can Regrouting Help You Avoid a Full Bathroom Renovation?

For many homeowners, regrouting offers a practical solution to delay or avoid a complete bathroom renovation. If the tiles are in good condition and the leak can be traced back to damaged grout and silicone, a regrout and reseal will restore the shower’s watertight integrity. This strategy also gives you additional time to save for a future renovation.

A regrout, reseal, and thorough clean can also serve as a highly effective refresh before listing a home for sale or for landlords between tenant occupancies. Our article on regrouting a shower as a cost-effective renovation illustrates how significantly a regrout can enhance a bathroom’s appearance.

Is DIY Regrouting a Shower a Viable Option?

While DIY grout kits are readily available at hardware stores, regrouting a shower correctly involves more complexity than it seems. Without the right tools and expertise, you risk:

• Damaging or cracking tiles while removing old grout
• Leaving remnants of old grout in the joints, which prevents proper bonding of new grout
• Overlooking silicone joints, which are common sources of leaks
• Failing to identify a leak from a pipe or a compromised membrane

If you are uncertain about the source of the water, it is wise to have the shower inspected before purchasing a DIY kit.

What Is the Cost of Shower Regrouting?

The cost of regrouting a shower varies based on several factors:

• Tile size, as smaller mosaics and 100mm tiles have more grout lines in comparison to larger 300mm or 600mm tiles
• The dimensions and layout of the shower, including features such as double showers, niches, and extra corners
• The condition of the grout and silicone, including issues like extensive mould, silicone layered over old silicone, or previous repairs that need removal
• Drummy or loose tiles that require refixing before resealing the shower

Regrouting is significantly more cost-effective than a complete bathroom renovation or retiling. For a cost estimate, please send photos of the shower floor, walls, and the entire shower to sales@leakingshowerssealed.com.au, or call 1300 815 512.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shower Regrouting

How long does it take to regrout a shower?
A shower base seal typically requires about 3 to 4 hours on site, while a complete shower seal for both walls and floor takes around 4 to 5 hours. Please ensure you allow at least 24 hours before using the shower again.

<a href="https://writebuff.com/regrouting-a-shower-a-smart-budget-renovation-idea/">Will regrouting stop a leak?</a>
Yes, if the leak is due to damaged grout or silicone. Regrouting will not address leaks from a pipe, drain, or tap, which require a plumber, nor will it fix a failed membrane, which necessitates tile removal.

How often should a shower be regrouted?
The frequency of regrouting depends on the type of grout used, the bathroom’s ventilation, and the cleaning practices employed. Indicators of when regrouting is necessary include cracked grout, recurring mould, and persistent damp odours. Our article on how long shower regrouting lasts outlines the factors that influence this.

Can you apply new grout over old grout?
No. New grout applied over existing grout will not bond effectively and will not resolve the leak. It is essential to remove all old grout before regrouting the shower.

Is regrouting covered by warranty?
Yes. A regrout and reseal includes a 10-year warranty on Ardex products and a 7-year workmanship warranty from Leaking Showers Sealed, subject to a site assessment.

Why Choose Leaking Showers Sealed for Your Shower Regrouting?

• Since 2016, we have specialised in regrouting and resealing showers without the need to remove tiles.
• We utilise Ardex EG15 epoxy grout and Ardex ST neutral cure silicone for outstanding results.
• Every regrout and reseal is backed by a 10-year warranty on Ardex products and a 7-year workmanship warranty, subject to site assessment.
• We have received over 300 Google reviews across our three locations.
• Our services encompass regrouting and resealing showers throughout North Richmond, the Hills District, and the North Shore of Sydney.

If your shower is leaking, do not hesitate to address the potential damage occurring behind the tiles. Send us photos of your shower or contact us to schedule an inspection. We will determine whether a regrout and reseal can effectively stop the leak.