Regrouting a Shower to Prevent Leaks: What to Expect

Have you observed water accumulating on the bathroom floor outside your shower? The grout lines might look cracked or discoloured, and a persistent musty odour remains despite your thorough cleaning. Perhaps you’ve noticed the paint on the opposite wall starting to bubble or the timber door frame near the shower swelling due to excess moisture.

It’s common to jump to the conclusion that a pipe has burst behind the wall. in many situations, water seeps through cracked grout and deteriorated silicone. A straightforward process of regrouting and resealing can effectively halt that leak without necessitating the removal of a single tile.

This comprehensive guide outlines when regrouting your shower is a viable solution for leaks and when it may fall short. You will also find detailed information about the regrouting process when you choose to collaborate with Leaking Showers Sealed, including how long you should avoid using the shower afterward. If you suspect that the grout is the source of the problem, our dedicated shower regrouting page offers a thorough overview of our regrouting services in North Richmond, the Hills District, and the North Shore.

Can Regrouting Effectively Resolve My Shower Leak?

• Regrouting can effectively stop leaks that occur when water escapes through damaged grout or silicone.
• We replace the old grout with Ardex EG15 epoxy grout, a non-porous material, and reseal corners and junctions using Ardex neutral cure silicone.
• Your tiles stay intact, enabling you to rectify a leaking shower without the need for extensive renovations or tile removal.
• If the leak stems from a faulty pipe, drain, or tap, you’ll need to consult a plumber. A compromised membrane beneath the tiles will necessitate tile removal, meaning a regrout alone will not address these issues.
• It is advisable to wait at least 24 hours before using the shower again.

Reach out to Leaking Showers Sealed if you’ve observed mouldy grout, a damp smell, or water leaking around your shower.

What Is Shower Regrouting and Why Is It Essential?

Shower regrouting involves removing old, cracked, or mouldy grout from between your shower tiles, followed by 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 like traditional cement grout.

Over time, grout can deteriorate due to exposure to hot water, cleaning chemicals, and minor structural shifts. This degradation leads to cracks and pinholes that allow water to infiltrate 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 reinstates these joints, making the shower watertight once more. It also eliminates unsightly stained grout lines that can make a clean bathroom appear aged, all without the expense and disruption of a complete renovation.

Will Regrouting My Shower Eliminate the Leaks?

Regrouting effectively resolves leaks when water escapes through compromised grout or silicone, which are common culprits of shower leaks. The initial step is to identify the source of the water to determine if regrouting is the appropriate solution.

When Is Regrouting and Resealing the Best Solution?

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

When Should You Seek 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 issue. We collaborate with plumbers, and if our inspection indicates 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 Is Compromised?

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

Andreas, who holds NSW licence 89111C, has expertise in waterproofing. Our team is trained to identify a failed 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 the issue at the first signs of trouble helps protect the membrane. Fresh epoxy grout and new silicone form a barrier against water, making it vital to tackle cracked grout before further damage occurs.

How to Detect the Need for Shower Regrouting

Keep an eye 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 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, 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 Expect 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 Source of the Leak

We thoroughly examine the grout, silicone, tiles, and surrounding areas to identify where the water is escaping. If our inspection uncovers a problem 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 extract 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 base.

Step 3: Thoroughly Cleaning the Tiles and Exposed Joints

We ensure the tiles and empty joints are thoroughly cleaned to eliminate soap scum, dust, and mould, guaranteeing 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. 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 full shower seal, we also ensure the tap flanges are sealed.

Typically, a shower base seal takes around 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 adequately.

Can Regrouting Eradicate 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 gets trapped. For more 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 provides a practical solution to delay or circumvent 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 additional time to save for a future renovation.

A regrout, reseal, and thorough clean can also serve as a highly 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 Regrouting a Shower a Practical Option?

While DIY grout kits are readily available at hardware stores, regrouting a shower correctly involves more complexity than it appears. 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 uncertain about the source of the water, it is prudent 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 problems 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 complete shower to sales@leakingshowerssealed.com.au, or call 1300 815 512.

Common 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. 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 Trust Leaking Showers Sealed for Your Shower Regrouting?

• Since 2016, we have specialised in regrouting and resealing showers without the need to remove tiles.
• We utilise Ardex EG15 epoxy grout and Ardex ST neutral cure silicone for exceptional results.
• Every regrout and reseal is supported 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 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 assess whether a regrout and reseal can effectively halt the leak.