Regrouting a Shower: Essential Tips to Avoid Leaks

Have you noticed water pooling on the bathroom floor outside your shower? You may see cracked or discoloured grout lines, and a persistent musty odour lingers despite your diligent cleaning. You might have even observed the paint on the wall opposite the shower bubbling or the timber door frame swelling due to excess moisture.

It’s tempting to think that a pipe has burst behind the wall. in many cases, water infiltrates through cracked grout and deteriorated silicone. A simple regrouting and resealing can effectively resolve that leak without the need to remove any tiles.

This guide explains when regrouting your shower can effectively fix a leak and when it might not be sufficient. You will also learn 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 the problem, our dedicated shower regrouting page provides a detailed overview of our services in North Richmond, the Hills District, and the North Shore.

Can Regrouting Fix My Shower Leak Effectively?

• Regrouting can effectively stop leaks that occur when water seeps through damaged grout or silicone.
• We remove the old grout and replace it with Ardex EG15 epoxy grout, which is non-porous, and reseal corners and junctions using Ardex neutral cure silicone.
• Your tiles stay intact, allowing you to repair a leaking shower without extensive renovations or tile removal.
• If the leak comes from a defective pipe, drain, or tap, you will need to consult a plumber. A damaged membrane beneath the tiles will require tile removal, meaning a regrout alone will not solve these problems.
• 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.

The Importance of Shower Regrouting Explained

Shower regrouting involves removing old, cracked, or mouldy grout from between your shower tiles and applying new grout to restore the seal between the joints. At Leaking Showers Sealed, we use Ardex EG15 epoxy grout, which is non-porous and prevents water and mould from penetrating like conventional cement grout.

Over time, grout deteriorates due to exposure to hot water, cleaning chemicals, and minor structural movements. This wear leads to cracks and pinholes that allow water to seep through the joints, even when the tiles seem intact. Often, this damage goes unnoticed as water collects behind the tiles and beneath the shower floor.

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

Is Regrouting the Solution to My Shower Leaks?

Regrouting effectively resolves leaks when water escapes through compromised grout or silicone, which are common causes of shower leaks. The first step is to identify the source of the water to determine if regrouting is the appropriate solution.

When Is Regrouting and Resealing the Most Effective Solution?

Regrouting and resealing is an ideal approach when you notice cracked, crumbling, or missing grout, or mould that reappears despite your cleaning efforts. 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 the water is leaking through the joints.

When Should You Call a Plumber Instead of Regrouting?

If the leak originates from a pipe within the wall, the shower drain, or a tap, regrouting will not resolve the issue. We work closely with plumbers, and if our inspection reveals a problem 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 necessitates tile removal, classifying it as renovation work that we do not perform.

Andreas, who holds NSW licence 89111C, is skilled in waterproofing. Our team is trained to identify a compromised membrane. If we find during our inspection that your shower needs more than just a regrout, we will inform you before starting any work.

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

Recognising the Need for Shower Regrouting

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

• Cracked, loose, or missing grout between the tiles
• Mould that quickly reappears after cleaning
• Damp odours or visible moisture damage near the shower
• Water pooling outside the shower or leaking into surrounding 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 keeping water within the shower. Tiles that sound hollow when tapped, known as drummy tiles, may require refixing before the shower can be resealed, and we check for these during our inspection.

What You Can Expect 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 notify you before 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 essential to start with a clean surface.

Step 3: Thoroughly Cleaning the Tiles and Exposed Joints

We meticulously clean the tiles and empty joints to remove soap scum, dust, and mould, ensuring that the new grout adheres properly 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. For 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 ensure the tap flanges are also sealed.

Typically, a shower base seal takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete, while a full shower seal for both walls and floor generally 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 Remove Mould from Showers?

Regrouting effectively eliminates mould that has penetrated the grout, as the mouldy grout is replaced. Surface cleaning with bleach or mould sprays only treats the outer layer, allowing mould to reappear since it resides within the grout where water gets trapped. For further information on 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 postpone 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 more time to save for a future renovation.

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

Is DIY Shower Regrouting a Viable Option?

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

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

Regrouting is significantly more economical 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 the regrouting process take?
A shower base seal typically takes approximately 3 to 4 hours on site, while a complete shower seal for both walls and floor takes around 4 to 5 hours. Please allow at least 24 hours before using the shower again.

Will regrouting effectively 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 regrouting be performed?
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 influencing this.

Can new grout be applied over old grout?
No. New grout applied over existing grout will not bond correctly and will not resolve the leak. It is essential to remove all old grout before commencing the regrouting process.

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

Why Choose Leaking Showers Sealed for Your Shower Regrouting Needs?

• Since 2016, we have specialised in regrouting and resealing showers without removing tiles.
• We use Ardex EG15 epoxy grout and Ardex ST neutral cure silicone for outstanding results.
• Every regrout and reseal is supported 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 cover regrouting and resealing showers throughout North Richmond, the Hills District, and the North Shore of Sydney.

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