Regrouting a Shower: Expectations and Leak Prevention Tips

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

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

This detailed guide explains when regrouting your shower can effectively resolve a leak and when it may not suffice. You will also gain insights into the regrouting process with Leaking Showers Sealed, including the duration for which you should avoid using the shower afterwards. If you suspect that the grout is the source of the issue, our dedicated shower regrouting page provides a comprehensive overview of our regrouting services available in North Richmond, the Hills District, and the North Shore.

Can Regrouting Successfully Stop My Shower Leak?

• Regrouting effectively halts leaks when water escapes through damaged grout or silicone.
• We remove the old grout and replace it with Ardex EG15 epoxy grout, a non-porous material, and reseal corners and junctions using Ardex neutral cure silicone.
• Your tiles remain undisturbed, enabling you to fix a leaking shower without extensive renovations or tile removal.
• If the leak is due to a faulty pipe, drain, or tap, consulting a plumber is essential. A compromised membrane beneath the tiles will necessitate tile removal, meaning a regrout alone will not resolve these issues.
• It is recommended to wait at least 24 hours before using the shower again.

Contact Leaking Showers Sealed if you have observed mouldy grout, a damp smell, or water leaking around your shower.

Exploring the Importance of Shower Regrouting

Shower regrouting entails removing old, cracked, or mouldy grout from between your shower tiles, followed by applying new grout that reinstates the seal between the joints. At Leaking Showers Sealed, we utilise Ardex EG15 epoxy grout, a non-porous material that prevents water and mould penetration, unlike traditional cement grout.

Over time, grout deteriorates due to exposure to hot water, cleaning chemicals, and minor structural movements. This degradation leads to cracks and pinholes, allowing water to permeate through the joints, even when the tiles themselves seem unaffected. Often, this damage remains hidden as water accumulates behind the tiles and beneath the shower floor.

Regrouting restores these joints, making the shower watertight once again. It also gets rid of unsightly stained grout lines that can make a clean bathroom appear aged, all without the expense and disruption of a complete renovation.

Is Regrouting My Shower the Solution for Leaks?

Regrouting is a viable solution for leaks when water escapes through compromised grout or silicone, which are common causes of shower leaks. The first step is identifying the source of the water to ascertain whether regrouting is the correct remedy.

When Should Regrouting and Resealing Be Considered?

Regrouting and resealing is the most suitable approach when you observe cracked, crumbling, missing grout, or mould that returns shortly after cleaning. This method is also effective if the silicone around corners and the shower base has split or detached. 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 within the wall, the shower drain, or a tap, regrouting will not solve the problem. We work closely with 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 Happens If the Waterproofing Membrane Beneath the Tiles Is Compromised?

A waterproofing membrane is located behind the tiles and under the shower floor. Prolonged exposure to water through the grout can damage this membrane. Replacing a failing membrane necessitates tile removal, classifying it as renovation work that we do not undertake.

Andreas, who holds NSW licence 89111C, is an expert in waterproofing. Our team is trained to identify a failed membrane. If we discover during our inspection that your shower requires more than a simple regrout, we will inform you before commencing any work.

Addressing the issue promptly at the first signs of trouble helps safeguard the membrane. Fresh epoxy grout and new silicone create a barrier against water, making it essential to tackle cracked grout before further damage occurs.

Identifying the Signs That Indicate Shower Regrouting Is Needed

Be alert for the following signs that suggest your shower may be leaking through the grout and silicone:

• Cracked, loose, or missing grout between the tiles
• Mould that rapidly returns after cleaning
• 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 produce a hollow sound when tapped

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is likely that the grout and silicone are no longer effectively retaining water within the shower. Tiles that sound hollow when tapped, referred to as drummy tiles, may require refixing before the shower can be resealed, 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 crucial steps, ensuring that your tiles remain undisturbed throughout.

Step 1: Inspecting the Shower and Determining the Source of the Leak

We conduct a meticulous examination of the grout, silicone, tiles, and surrounding areas to identify where water is escaping. If our inspection indicates 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 eliminate all existing silicone, including any layers applied over previous silicone. New grout will not bond properly to old grout, making it critical to start with a clean surface.

Step 3: Thoroughly Cleaning the Tiles and Exposed Joints

We ensure that the tiles and empty joints are meticulously cleaned to remove soap scum, dust, and mould, guaranteeing that the new grout adheres effectively to a pristine 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 achieve 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 comprehensive shower seal, we ensure that the tap flanges are also sealed.

Typically, a shower base seal takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to complete, while a full shower seal for both walls and floor generally requires 4 to 5 hours. It is essential to wait at least 24 hours before using the shower again to allow the grout and silicone to cure thoroughly.

Can Regrouting Eliminate Mould in My Shower?

Regrouting effectively removes mould that has infiltrated the grout, as the mouldy grout is replaced. Surface cleaning with bleach or mould sprays only addresses the top 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.

Does Regrouting Help Avoid a Full Bathroom Renovation?

For numerous homeowners, regrouting serves as a practical solution to delay or avoid a comprehensive bathroom renovation. If the tiles are in good condition and the leak can be traced to the grout and silicone, a regrout and reseal will restore the shower’s watertight integrity. This approach also provides you with additional time to save for a future renovation.

A regrout, reseal, and thorough clean can also function as an 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 of a Shower a Viable Option?

While DIY grout kits are readily available at hardware stores, regrouting a shower correctly is more complex than it appears. Without the necessary 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 advisable to have the shower inspected prior to purchasing a DIY kit.

What Is the Cost of Shower Regrouting?

The cost of regrouting a shower can vary based on several factors:

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

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

Common Questions About Shower Regrouting

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

Will regrouting stop a leak?
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 resolve 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. Signs that indicate the need for regrouting include cracked grout, recurring mould, and persistent damp odours. Our article on how long shower regrouting lasts explains the factors that influence this.

Can new grout be applied over old grout?
No. New grout applied over existing grout will not bond effectively and will not fix the leak. It is crucial 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, contingent upon a site assessment.

Why Trust Leaking Showers Sealed with Your Shower Regrouting?

• Since 2016, we have specialised in regrouting and resealing showers without the need for tile removal.
• We use Ardex EG15 epoxy grout and Ardex ST neutral cure silicone for exceptional 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 garnered 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 arrange an inspection. We will evaluate whether a regrout and reseal can effectively stop the leak.