Regrouting a Shower: Tips to Prevent Leaks

Have you noticed water pooling on the bathroom floor outside your shower? You might see cracked or discoloured grout lines, and a persistent musty smell lingers even after you clean thoroughly. You may have also observed the paint on the wall opposite the shower starting to bubble or the timber door frame swelling due to excess moisture.

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

This detailed guide explains when regrouting your shower is a suitable solution for leaks and when it may not suffice. You will also find extensive information about the regrouting process when you choose to engage with Leaking Showers Sealed, including how long to refrain from 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 services in North Richmond, the Hills District, and the North Shore.

Can Regrouting Truly Fix My Shower Leak?

• Regrouting can successfully stop leaks caused by water escaping through damaged grout or silicone.
• We replace the old grout with Ardex EG15 epoxy grout, a non-porous material, and reseal corners and junctions with Ardex neutral cure silicone.
• Your tiles remain intact, allowing you to resolve a leaking shower without undergoing 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, indicating that a regrout alone won’t resolve these issues.
• It is recommended to wait at least 24 hours before using the shower again.

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

Understanding Shower Regrouting and Its Importance

Shower regrouting involves removing old, cracked, or mouldy grout from between your shower tiles and then 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 traditional cement grout.

Over time, grout can wear down due to exposure to hot water, cleaning chemicals, and minor structural movements. This degradation creates cracks and pinholes that allow water to seep into the joints, even when the tiles themselves appear 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 removes unsightly stained grout lines that can make an otherwise clean bathroom look aged, all without the expense and disruption of a full renovation.

Will Regrouting Eliminate My Shower Leaks?

Regrouting can effectively resolve leaks where water escapes through compromised grout or silicone, which are frequent causes of shower leaks. The first step is to identify the source of the water to determine if regrouting is the right approach.

When Is Regrouting and Resealing the Optimal Solution?

Regrouting and resealing is the best method when you notice cracked, crumbling, missing grout, or mould that reappears shortly after cleaning. It is also effective if the silicone around corners and the shower base has split or detached. In these situations, the tiles remain intact, and water seeps 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 fix the problem. We collaborate with plumbers, and if our inspection reveals an issue with a pipe, drain, or tap, we will explain the situation and refer you to a plumber for further assistance.

What If the Waterproofing Membrane Below the Tiles Is Compromised?

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

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

Addressing the issue 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.

Identifying the Need for Shower Regrouting

Watch for the following signs indicating that your shower may be leaking through the grout and silicone:

• Cracked, loose, or missing grout between the tiles
• Mould that quickly 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 sound hollow when tapped

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is likely that the grout and silicone are no longer effectively containing water within the shower. Tiles that sound hollow when tapped, often referred to as drummy tiles, may need to be refixed 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 involves five essential steps, ensuring that your tiles remain undisturbed throughout.

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

We conduct a thorough examination of the grout, silicone, tiles, and surrounding areas to pinpoint where the water is escaping. If our inspection identifies 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 remove the old grout and extract 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 exposed joints are thoroughly cleaned to remove soap scum, dust, and mould, guaranteeing that the new grout adheres effectively 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 provide 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 about 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 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 becomes trapped. For more information on why shower grout becomes stained and damaged, please refer to our guide.

Can Regrouting Help You Avoid a Complete Bathroom Renovation?

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

A regrout, reseal, and thorough clean can also serve as an effective refresh before selling a home or for landlords between tenant occupancies. Our article on regrouting a shower as a cost-effective renovation demonstrates 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 involves more complexity than it may seem. Without the right tools and expertise, you risk:

• Damaging or cracking tiles during the removal of 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 compromised membrane

If you are unsure 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 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. Ensure you 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 resolve leaks from a pipe, drain, or tap, which require a plumber, nor will it address 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 that suggest the need for regrouting 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 fix the leak. It is essential to remove all old grout before regrouting the shower.

<a href="https://homerenonews.com.au/regrouting-a-shower-tips-to-prevent-leaks-and-prepare/">Is regrouting covered by warranty?</a>
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 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 use 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 garnered over 300 Google reviews across our three locations.
• Our services include 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.