Regrouting a Shower: Essential Tips to Avoid Leaks

Have you noticed water pooling on the bathroom floor outside your shower? You may observe cracked or stained grout lines, along with a persistent musty odour that lingers despite your cleaning efforts. Perhaps you’ve even seen the paint on the wall opposite the shower bubbling or the timber door frame swelling due to excess moisture.

It’s common to suspect a burst pipe behind the wall. in many cases, water infiltrates through damaged grout and deteriorated silicone. A simple regrouting and resealing can effectively remedy that leak without the need to remove any tiles.

This guide details 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 wait before using the shower again. If you believe that the grout is the source of the problem, our dedicated shower regrouting page provides a thorough overview of our regrouting services in North Richmond, the Hills District, and the North Shore.

Can Regrouting Effectively Fix My Shower Leak?

• Regrouting can successfully halt leaks when water escapes through damaged grout or silicone.
• We extract the old grout and replace it with Ardex EG15 epoxy grout, known for being non-porous, while resealing corners and junctions with Ardex neutral cure silicone.
• Your tiles remain undisturbed, allowing you to address a leaking shower without extensive renovations or tile removal.
• If the leak is traced to a faulty pipe, drain, or tap, consultation with a plumber will be necessary. If the waterproofing membrane beneath the tiles is compromised, tile removal will be required, meaning a regrout alone won’t fix these problems.
• We recommend waiting at least 24 hours before using the shower again.

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

The Significance of Shower Regrouting

Shower regrouting involves removing old, cracked, or mouldy grout from between your shower tiles and applying new grout that restores 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, unlike traditional cement grout.

Over time, grout degrades due to exposure to hot water, cleaning chemicals, and minor structural shifts. This degradation results in cracks and pinholes that allow water to seep through the joints, even when the tiles look intact. Often, this damage goes unnoticed as water accumulates behind the tiles and beneath the shower floor.

Regrouting restores these joints, re-establishing a watertight seal in your shower. It also removes unsightly stained grout lines that can make an otherwise clean bathroom appear aged, all without the cost and disruption of a full renovation.

Will Regrouting My Shower Stop the Leaks?

Regrouting is an effective solution for leaks caused by compromised grout or silicone, which are common contributors to shower leaks. The initial step involves identifying the source of the water to ascertain whether regrouting is the appropriate fix.

When Is Regrouting and Resealing the Ideal Solution?

Regrouting and resealing is the most effective approach when you notice cracked, crumbling, or missing grout, or mould that returns despite cleaning efforts. It is also beneficial if the silicone around corners and the shower base has split or come loose. In these cases, the tiles remain intact, and the water is leaking 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 solve the problem. We work in conjunction with plumbers, and if our inspection reveals an issue 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 underneath the shower floor. Prolonged exposure to water through damaged 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 experienced in waterproofing. Our team is trained to identify a compromised membrane. If we discover during our inspection that your shower requires more than just a regrout, we will inform you prior to commencing any work.

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

Recognising the Need for Shower Regrouting

Look for these indicators that your shower may be leaking due to compromised 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 adjacent 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 can no longer effectively contain water within the shower. Tiles that sound hollow when tapped, known as drummy tiles, may need 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 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 pinpoint 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 meticulously 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 ensure that the tiles and empty joints are thoroughly cleaned to eliminate 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 use Ardex ST neutral cure silicone to reseal internal corners and junctions. For a complete shower seal, we ensure that the tap flanges are also sealed.

Typically, a shower base seal takes around 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 eradicates 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 resurface since it resides within the grout where water gets 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 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 gives you more 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 highlights how significantly a regrout can enhance a bathroom’s appearance.

Is DIY Regrouting a Shower Feasible?

While DIY grout kits are plentiful in hardware stores, regrouting a shower correctly is more complex than it appears. Without the proper 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 advisable 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 feature 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 that need 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 entire shower to sales@leakingshowerssealed.com.au, or call 1300 815 512.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shower Regrouting

How long does the regrouting process take?
A shower base seal typically requires around 3 to 4 hours on site, while a complete shower seal for both walls and floor takes approximately 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 indicating the need for regrouting include cracked grout, recurring mould, and persistent damp odours. Our article on how long shower regrouting lasts explains the factors that influence this.

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

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 Trust 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 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 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 schedule an inspection. We will evaluate whether a regrout and reseal can effectively stop the leak.