Regrouting a Shower: Tips for Leak Prevention and What to Expect

Have you noticed water pooling on the bathroom floor outside your shower? You may see cracked or discoloured grout lines, and a persistent musty smell continues to linger despite your best cleaning efforts. Perhaps the paint on the nearby wall is bubbling, or the wooden door frame adjacent to the shower is swelling due to excessive moisture.

It is tempting to think that a pipe has burst behind the wall. in many cases, water leaks through damaged grout and worn silicone. A simple regrouting and resealing procedure can effectively stop the leak without the need to remove a single tile.

This detailed guide explains when regrouting your shower can effectively resolve a leak and when it may not be sufficient. You will also discover the regrouting process when you choose Leaking Showers Sealed, including the recommended waiting period before using the shower again. If you suspect that the grout might be the source of the problem, our dedicated shower regrouting page provides an in-depth overview of our regrouting services available in North Richmond, the Hills District, and the North Shore.

Can Regrouting Effectively Resolve My Shower Leak?

• Regrouting can effectively halt leaks caused by water escaping through damaged grout or silicone.
• We remove the old grout and replace it with Ardex EG15 epoxy grout, a non-porous material, while resealing corners and junctions using Ardex neutral cure silicone.
• Your tiles remain intact, allowing you to repair a leaking shower without extensive renovations or tile removal.
• If the leak stems from a faulty pipe, drain, or tap, consulting a plumber is essential. A compromised membrane beneath the tiles will necessitate tile removal, meaning a regrout alone will not suffice.
• It is advisable to wait at least 24 hours before using the shower again.

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

Comprehending the Importance of Shower Regrouting

Shower regrouting entails the removal of old, cracked, or mouldy grout from between your shower tiles, followed by the application of new grout that reinstates 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 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 when the tiles themselves seem unaffected. Often, this damage remains hidden as water accumulates behind the tiles and beneath the shower floor.

Regrouting restores these joints, making the shower watertight once more. It also removes unsightly stained grout lines that can make an otherwise clean bathroom appear aged, all without the cost and disruption of a complete renovation.

Can Regrouting My Shower Eliminate Leaks?

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

When Is Regrouting and Resealing the Right Choice?

Regrouting and resealing is the best option when you observe cracked, crumbling, or 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 loose. In these cases, the tiles remain intact, and water is leaking 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 resolve the issue. We collaborate with plumbers, and if our inspection reveals a problem with any of these components, 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 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, is skilled in waterproofing. Our team is trained to identify a compromised membrane. If we discover during our inspection that your shower requires more than a straightforward regrout, we will inform you before commencing any work.

Addressing the issue promptly 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 Signs That Shower Regrouting Is Necessary

Watch for the following indicators that suggest your shower might 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 surrounding 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 is 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 need refixing before the shower can be resealed, and we check for these during our inspection.

What to Anticipate from 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 Locating the Leak

We meticulously examine the grout, silicone, tiles, and surrounding areas to identify where water is escaping. If our inspection indicates 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 remove all existing silicone, including any layers applied over previous silicone. New grout cannot bond effectively 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 meticulously cleaned to eliminate 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 use 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 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 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 top layer, allowing mould to return since it resides within the grout where water becomes trapped. For more information about 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 provides a practical solution to delay or prevent 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 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 changes. 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 Viable Option?

While DIY grout kits are widely available at hardware stores, regrouting a shower correctly is more complex 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, 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 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 prior to resealing the shower

Regrouting is considerably 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.

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 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. Signs that indicate 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 you apply new grout over old grout?
No. New grout applied over existing grout will not bond properly 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 Solutions?

• 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 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 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 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 assess whether a regrout and reseal can effectively stop the leak.