If you think you have a leak in your shower, getting it fixed as soon as possible is important. If you’re lucky, the problem is simpler than solving a shower pan leak, says Rick Hedge, owner of The Plumber’s Plumber, serving Southwestern Florida.
Showers can leak for a variety of reasons. One problem we run into often is a faulty shower valve. People often believe that they can repair this themselves, depending on what model and make the valve is.
They also believe that if they have a problem with drips or water pressure that they can fix it themselves simply by replacing o-rings or cartridges that are specific to the brand of the shower valve. But this is a more advanced repair that should be done by a professional. We don’t recommend trying it yourself.
Shower Pan Leak Expensive to Fix
A shower pan leak can be the most expensive repair to fix. Showers are supposed to have a shower pan liner underneath the tile. This acts as a barrier between the shower and the drain if the tile is cracked or water gets through it. In essence, it stops water from leaking through underneath. Periodically, however, shower pans go bad. And when they do, it is a major undertaking to install a new one.
If your shower pan needs to be replaced, all the tile needs to be removed from the first two feet up first, and then a new shower liner needs to be installed. After that, the tile needs to be replaced where it was removed. Obviously, you would need a professional to do this, and it usually will involve a complete bathroom remodel.
Call a Professional
If you suspect your shower pan is leaking, get a professional plumber to check that this is really is the case. If you are lucky, another problem might be causing a leak in your shower. Other leaks can be caused by:
- Improperly installed shower pan: In this case, you might just need to rip the pan out and put in a new one.
- Faulty shower door seal: Often showers leak because this seal is old, decayed or no longer fits properly.
- Old caulk at the end of the shower door track: If this needs to be replaced, you might notice a leak.
- Shower faucet leak: Check to see if the faucets are leaking behind the wall.
- Crack in your shower wall. This often occurs in a corner area.
Fixing a leak in your shower is important, and the sooner you get the repair done, the better. If you are lucky, the leak could be from something as easily fixed as faulty shower doors, or you could be facing a complete bathroom overhaul. If you notice moldy grout, damp carpeting, water leaking in a room below, discolored linoleum or wet sheetrock, call a plumber in today to see what the problem is and have it rectified as soon as possible.
