Regrouting a Shower: Tips to Avoid Leaks

Have you noticed water pooling on the floor outside your shower? Cracked or discoloured grout lines may be visible, and a persistent musty smell lingers even after a thorough clean. Perhaps the paint on the adjacent wall is bubbling, or the timber door frame near the shower is swelling due to excessive moisture.

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

This detailed guide will help you understand when regrouting your shower is a suitable solution for leaks and when it may not be effective. You will also find comprehensive information about the regrouting process when you work with Leaking Showers Sealed, including how long you should refrain from using the shower afterward. If you suspect the grout is the culprit, our dedicated shower regrouting page provides an in-depth overview of our services in North Richmond, the Hills District, and the North Shore.

Can Regrouting Successfully Fix My Shower Leak?

• Regrouting effectively addresses leaks caused by water escaping through damaged grout or silicone.
• We replace old grout with Ardex EG15 epoxy grout, a non-porous material, and reseal corners and junctions using Ardex neutral cure silicone.
• Your tiles remain intact, allowing you to fix 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, meaning a regrout alone will not resolve these issues.
• It is recommended to wait at least 24 hours before using the shower again.

Contact <a href="https://limitsofstrategy.com/leaking-shower-tackle-issues-before-they-escalate/">Leaking Showers Sealed</a> if you have observed mouldy grout, a damp smell, or water leaking around your shower.

Understanding Shower Regrouting and Its Importance

Shower regrouting is the process of removing old, cracked, or mouldy grout from between your shower tiles and then applying new grout to re-establish the seal between the joints. At Leaking Showers Sealed, we use Ardex EG15 epoxy grout, which is non-porous, preventing 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 deterioration leads to cracks and pinholes that allow water to seep into the joints, even when the tiles themselves look fine. Often, this damage remains hidden as water accumulates behind the tiles and under the shower floor.

Regrouting restores these joints, making the shower watertight again. It also removes unsightly stained grout lines that can make a clean bathroom look dated, all without the cost and disruption of a full renovation.

Does Regrouting Eliminate Leaks in My Shower?

Regrouting is effective in stopping leaks when 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 whether regrouting is the right solution.

When Is Regrouting and Resealing the Optimal Solution?

Regrouting and resealing is the best approach if you notice cracked, crumbling, or missing grout, or if mould returns shortly after cleaning. It is also effective when the silicone around corners and the shower base has split or come away. In these cases, the tiles remain intact, and the water seeps through the joints.

When Should You Consult a Plumber Instead of Regrouting?

If the leak comes from a pipe within the wall, the shower drain, or a tap, regrouting will not fix the issue. We work closely with plumbers, and if our investigation reveals a problem with a pipe, drain, or tap, we will provide you with 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 located behind the tiles and under the shower floor. Extended water exposure through the grout can compromise 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 an expert 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 commencing any work.

Addressing the problem 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

Look out for the following signs that indicate 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 nearby 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 keeping water within the shower. Tiles that sound hollow when tapped, often called drummy tiles, may need to be refixed before resealing the shower, 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 key steps, ensuring that your tiles remain undisturbed throughout.

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

We conduct a thorough examination of the grout, silicone, tiles, and surrounding areas to pinpoint where the water is leaking. If our inspection reveals a problem with a pipe, drain, or tap, we will inform you before scheduling any regrouting.

Step 2: Removing Old Grout and Silicone

We meticulously cut out the old grout and remove all existing silicone, including any layers applied over previous silicone. New grout cannot bond properly to old grout, making it vital to start with a clean surface.

Step 3: Thoroughly Cleaning the Tiles and Exposed Joints

We ensure the tiles and empty 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 ensure 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 full shower seal, we also ensure the tap flanges are sealed.

Typically, sealing the shower base takes around 3 to 4 hours, while a complete 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 eradicates mould that has infiltrated the grout, as the mouldy grout is replaced. Surface cleaning with bleach or mould sprays only treats the top layer, allowing mould to return since it resides within the grout where water is 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 complete 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 approach 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 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 Shower Regrouting a Viable Option?

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

• Damaging or cracking tiles while removing 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 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 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 the walls and floor takes around 4 to 5 hours. Please 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.

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 the need for tile removal.
• We utilise 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 received over 300 Google reviews across our three locations.
• Our services extend to 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 arrange an inspection. We will evaluate whether a regrout and reseal can effectively stop the leak.