When left untreated, shower leaks can be annoying and evolve into major and expensive repairs. When the problem is beyond your knowledge and skills, it is good if you know how to identify the underlying cause. And if you can make a temporary fix, you can prevent some serious consequences before the professionals arrive.
This guide makes it easier for you to identify shower leak causes and fix the problem to prevent the immediate issue.
Clogged/Faulty Showerhead
A leaking showerhead can be caused by either the build-up of limescale or the rubber washer has become faulty. It is recommended to use the following steps:
- Remove the showerhead from the shower wall or hose
- Spray a limescale solution and leave the showerhead for some time
- Use a cleaning brush to scrub the residue
- Rinse and let it dry
- Check the rubber washer and look for any signs of tear or cracks
Fault in Shower Mixer Tap
Usually, when the rubber seal wears, this tap begins leaking. The rubber seal can be found between the mixer spout and the neck. It can be fixed by replacing the damaged seal ring.
Worn Out Shower Hose
The shower hoses in your home get exposed to frequent wear and tear. It is recommended to replace them regularly to ensure the shower keeps working properly. Sometimes, shower leaks are caused by worn-out or damaged hoses. You should replace them to fix the leak.
Worn Out Shower Valve
If there is a shower leak and you tried changing the shower seal without getting any positive result, the issue could be with the shower valve. This valve goes behind the shower faucet and moves hot and cold water to the showerhead. It can get clogged up with water residue or get damaged over time. The solution is to replace the valve.
Cracks in Shower Tiles
At times, the leak may be caused due to damage to the waterproof surfaces. When there is a crack in the tile grout, water can get in between the tiles. The water soaks into the surface behind the tile. The solution is to remove the old grout and leave the area to dry. A regrouting is required using grout with low absorption rates. Make sure to apply a sealer before completing the job.
Fault in Shower Drain Connections
When there is a fault in the shower drain, the problem goes undetected until the leak has reached the ceiling under your bathroom. A weak drain connection is a common cause of this problem.
These drains are connected to a P-trap. The function of this trap is to prevent sewer gases from pushing back into the drain. The trap also causes the wastewater to move down the sewer. The leak can occur when the P-trap has been damaged or when it wasn’t installed properly in the first place. If it is possible to reach the P-trap, check it for any signs of damage. If accessible, seal it.
So, these are some of the common causes of shower leaks and their respective solutions. Still, you will need to call a professional to ensure proper leaking shower repair melbourne is completed.
