A leaking shower that you ignored, in the beginning, can become a reason behind continuously annoying noise and significant water damage at your home. The leaking water will also lead to damage, frequent mould and mildew growth and increased water bills. Timely shower repair services should be availed to troubleshoot any leaking shower problem and ensure that water-borne damages don't occur. The process begins with identifying the source of leakage and carrying out necessary repair work using the most advanced tools and know-how of the process. Let us understand some common causes behind leaking showers and what steps can be taken to prevent this.

COMMON CAUSES BEHIND A LEAKING SHOWER

Before understanding the shower repair approach, we must get an in-depth understanding of the potential sources of water leakages. There are so many found in the bathroom and the most common culprits are discussed below.

A FAULTY SHOWER PAN

The shower pan is a waterproof layer beneath the shower floor that directs water towards the drain. When this pan wears down and develops problems like cracks or separation, water begins to seep through, generating a water leaking shower situation.

DAMAGED SHOWER DRAIN

A broken, damaged, or compromised shower drain will lead to leakages quickly. This damage can be caused by worn-out gaskets, loose connections, or cracks in the drain itself. In all these situations, shower repair services will become necessary.

SHOWER VALVE LEAKAGE

The shower valve controls water flow and temperature, and leakage starts when this part stops working due to improper sealing or wear out. In most cases, the leakage is behind the wall and remains undetected for a long time.

Apart from this, deteriorated grout is a common cause of leaking showers. Gaps between the seams due to the heavy use are also why leaking shower situations arise in any bathroom.

IDENTIFYING THE SOURCE OF LEAKAGE

Identifying the true source of leakage is possible only when you have availed yourself of the best shower repair services from a professional shower plumber. They will take the following steps to identify the main source of leakage and take further action.

  • Inspect visible areas for water stains or mould growth.
  • Check the shower pan for cracks or separation from the walls.
  • Examine the shower drain for signs of leakage.
  • Look for gaps in caulking or grout lines.
  • Test the shower valve for leaks when the water is on and off.

HOW TO REPAIR A LEAKING SHOWER VALVE?

Experts of shower repair in Brisbane take the following steps after determining the primary source of leakage.

REMOVING THE SHOWER HANDLE AND ESCUTCHEON PLATE

  • Cover the shower drain with a rag to prevent dropped screws from falling down the drain.
  • Remove the handle from the shower valve.
  • Unscrew the escutcheon plate from the shower valve.

INSPECTING AND REPLACING THE GASKET

  • Inspect the rear of the escutcheon for water stains and check the condition of the gasket.
  • Remove the old gasket if it's worn or damaged.
  • Apply the plumber's putty around the back of the escutcheon.
  • Screw the escutcheon plate back onto the shower valve.

ADDRESSING POTENTIAL LEAKAGE SOURCES

The shower valve is the most common source of leakage, and the entire focus of the team involved in shower repair Brisbane is to address this issue. They also check other areas to ensure that there are no other sources of leakage.

CEILING THE GAPS AND CRACKS

Expert shower plumbers inspect all the horizontal surfaces, such as soap dishes, shells, etc., for cracks and splits. Their next step involves examining the seams between the shower stall and walls and gaps and separations are the two elements they search for. The next step that experts take is sealing all the cracks and holes using high-quality silicone caulk designed for application around the areas.

CHECKING THE SHOWER ARM

In some odd cases, the shower arm can also be a source of leakage and this is why this part is also inspected thoroughly. The shower arm is a part that connects the shower head to the plumbing in the wall. Shower plumbers will take the following steps to address the leakages in these parts.

  • Use a strap wrench to unscrew the shower arm.
  • Clean the threads on the shower arm to remove the old plumber's tape or debris.
  • Wrap the threads with new Teflon tape.
  • Thread the shower arm back into the wall.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE FOR SHOWER LEAKS

  • Check for loose or damaged tiles and repair them promptly.
  • Clean grout lines and reseal them annually.
  • Keep the shower drain clear of hair and debris.
  • Periodically inspect visible plumbing connections for signs of corrosion or wear.
  • Regularly inspect and replace caulking around the shower.