Regrouting a Shower: Tips to Prevent Leaks and Expectations

Have you noticed water accumulating on the bathroom floor just outside your shower? You may see cracked or discoloured grout lines, and a persistent musty smell lingers even after your cleaning efforts. If the paint on the wall opposite the shower is starting to bubble or if the timber door frame near the shower is swelling from excess moisture, it’s time to take action.

It’s common to suspect that a pipe has burst behind the wall. In many cases, water seeps through damaged grout and deteriorating silicone. A simple regrouting and resealing process can effectively stop the leak, all without the need to remove a single tile.

This guide will assist you in understanding when regrouting your shower can effectively resolve a leak and when it may not be adequate. You will also discover the regrouting process when you choose to engage Leaking Showers Sealed, including how long you need to avoid using the shower afterward. If you suspect that the grout is the source of your issue, our dedicated shower regrouting page provides a comprehensive overview of our regrouting services in North Richmond, the Hills District, and the North Shore.

Can Regrouting Effectively Resolve My Shower Leak?

• Regrouting can successfully stop leaks when water escapes through compromised 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, allowing you to repair a leaking shower without extensive renovations or tile removal.
• If the leak is traced back to a faulty pipe, drain, or tap, consulting a plumber is necessary. A compromised membrane beneath the tiles will require tile removal, meaning a regrout alone will not resolve these issues.
• It is advisable 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.

Explore the Importance of Shower Regrouting

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 utilise Ardex EG15 epoxy grout, which is non-porous, preventing water and mould from penetrating as traditional cement grout does.

Over time, grout deteriorates due to exposure to hot water, cleaning chemicals, and minor structural movements. This deterioration leads to cracks and pinholes that allow water to seep through the joints, even if the tiles appear unaffected. Often, this damage goes unnoticed as water accumulates behind the tiles and beneath the shower floor.

Regrouting revitalises these joints, restoring the shower’s watertight seal. It also eliminates unsightly stained grout lines that can make an otherwise clean bathroom look aged, all without the expenses and disruptions associated with a full renovation.

Will Regrouting My Shower Effectively Fix the Leaks?

Regrouting effectively addresses leaks when water escapes through compromised grout or silicone, which are common causes of shower leaks. The first step involves identifying the source of the water to determine whether regrouting is a viable solution.

When Is Regrouting and Resealing the Best Solution?

Regrouting and resealing is the best approach when you notice cracked, crumbling, or missing grout, or mould that reappears after cleaning. It is also effective if the silicone around corners and the shower base has split or come loose. In these situations, the tiles remain intact, allowing water to leak through the joints.

When Should You 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 resolve the issue. We collaborate 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 Has Failed?

A waterproofing membrane is situated behind the tiles and under the shower floor. Prolonged exposure to water through the grout can compromise this membrane. Replacing a failing membrane requires tile removal, categorising it as renovation work that we do not perform.

Andreas, who holds NSW licence 89111C, possesses expertise in waterproofing. Our team is trained to identify a failed membrane. If we determine during our inspection that your shower needs more than just a regrout, we will inform you before commencing 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 essential to address cracked grout before further damage occurs.

How to Identify the Need for Shower Regrouting

Be watchful for the following signs indicating 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’s likely that the grout and silicone are no longer effectively retaining 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 to Anticipate During the Regrouting Process with Leaking Showers Sealed

The regrouting process at Leaking Showers Sealed consists of five key steps, ensuring that your tiles remain untouched throughout the procedure.

Step 1: Inspecting the Shower and Identifying the Leak

We conduct a comprehensive examination of the grout, silicone, tiles, and surrounding areas to determine where the water is escaping. If our inspection uncovers an issue with a pipe, drain, or tap, we will inform you before 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 cannot bond effectively to old grout, making it crucial to start with a clean surface.

Step 3: Thoroughly Cleaning the Tiles and Exposed Joints

We ensure the tiles and exposed joints are meticulously cleaned to remove soap scum, dust, and mould, ensuring 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. 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 approximately 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 a minimum of 24 hours before using the shower again to allow the grout and silicone to cure adequately.

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 outer layer, allowing mould to return since it resides within the grout where water becomes trapped. For further insights into why shower grout becomes stained and damaged, please consult our guide.

Can Regrouting Help You Avoid a Complete Bathroom Renovation?

For many homeowners, regrouting represents 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 serve as an effective refresh prior to listing a home for sale 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 Regrouting a Shower a Practical Option?

While DIY grout kits are readily available at hardware stores, regrouting a shower correctly is more complex than it might 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, 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 wise to have the shower inspected before investing in a DIY kit.

What Is the Cost of Shower Regrouting?

The cost of regrouting a shower varies based on several factors:

• The size of the tiles, 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 requiring removal
• Drummy or loose tiles that necessitate refixing prior to resealing the shower

Regrouting is significantly more cost-effective than a full 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.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Shower Regrouting

How long does it take to properly 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. Please allow at least 24 hours before using the shower again.

Will regrouting effectively stop a leak?
Yes, if the leak arises from 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 undergo regrouting?
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 outlines the factors that influence this.

<a href=”https://limitsofstrategy.com/shower-reseal-is-it-a-genuine-solution-or-a-quick-fix/”>Can you apply new grout over old grout?</a>
No. New grout applied over existing grout will not bond correctly 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 Choose Leaking Showers Sealed for Your Shower Regrouting Needs?

• Since 2016, we have specialised in regrouting and resealing showers without removing tiles.
• We utilise Ardex EG15 epoxy grout and Ardex ST neutral cure silicone for superior results.
• Each regrout and reseal is backed by a 10-year warranty on Ardex products and a 7-year workmanship warranty, subject to site assessment.
• We boast 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 delay in 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.