Regrouting a Shower: Tips to Prevent Leaks and Prepare

Have you observed water accumulating on the bathroom floor outside your shower? You might notice cracked or discoloured grout lines, and a persistent musty odour lingers despite your diligent cleaning. Perhaps paint on the opposite wall is starting to bubble, or the timber door frame near the shower is swelling due to excess moisture.

It’s easy to jump to the conclusion that a pipe has burst behind the wall. in many instances, water seeps through damaged grout and deteriorated silicone. A straightforward regrouting and resealing process can effectively stop that leak without the need to remove any tiles.

This guide outlines when regrouting your shower can successfully address a leak and when it might not suffice. You will also gain insights into the regrouting process if you choose to work with Leaking Showers Sealed, including how long you should avoid using the shower afterwards. If you suspect that the grout is the source of the problem, our dedicated shower regrouting page provides a comprehensive overview of our regrouting services available in North Richmond, the Hills District, and the North Shore.

Can Regrouting Effectively Stop My Shower Leak?

• Regrouting can effectively stop leaks when water escapes through damaged grout or silicone.
• We remove old grout and replace it with Ardex EG15 epoxy grout, a non-porous material, and reseal corners and junctions using Ardex neutral cure silicone.
• Your tiles remain undisturbed, enabling you to fix a leaking shower without extensive renovations or tile removal.
• If the leak is caused by 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 advisable to wait at least 24 hours before using the shower again.

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

Understanding Shower Regrouting and Its Significance

Shower regrouting consists of removing 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 utilise Ardex EG15 epoxy grout, which is non-porous, preventing 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 appear intact. Often, this damage remains concealed as water accumulates behind the tiles and beneath the shower floor.

Regrouting restores these joints, making the shower watertight once more. It also eliminates unsightly stained grout lines that can make a clean bathroom look aged, all without the expense and disruption of a full renovation.

Will Regrouting My Shower Resolve the Leaks?

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

When Is Regrouting and Resealing the Suitable Solution?

Regrouting and resealing is the best course of action when you notice cracked, crumbling, missing grout, or mould that returns after cleaning. It is also effective if the silicone around corners and the shower base has split or come away. In these situations, the tiles remain intact, and water leaks 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 rectify 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 Has Failed?

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 necessitates tile removal, classifying it as renovation work that we do not perform.

Andreas, who holds NSW licence 89111C, possesses 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 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 vital to tackle cracked grout before further damage occurs.

How to Recognise the Need for Shower Regrouting

Watch for the following indicators that suggest your shower may be leaking through the grout and silicone:

• Cracked, loose, or missing grout between the tiles
• Mould that rapidly 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 are no longer effectively retaining water within the shower. Tiles that sound hollow when tapped, known as drummy tiles, may require refixing 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 Leak

We conduct a thorough examination of the grout, silicone, tiles, and surrounding areas to pinpoint where the water is escaping. 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 effectively to old grout, making it essential to start with a clean slate.

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, 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 apply Ardex ST neutral cure silicone to reseal internal corners and junctions. To achieve 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 adequately.

Can Regrouting Eliminate Shower Mould?

Regrouting effectively removes mould that has penetrated 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 further 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 provides a practical solution to postpone or avoid a comprehensive bathroom renovation. If the tiles are in good condition and the leak is 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 occupancies. Our article on regrouting a shower as a cost-effective renovation demonstrates how significantly a regrout can enhance a bathroom’s appearance.

Is DIY Regrouting a Shower a Viable Option?

While DIY grout kits are readily available at hardware stores, regrouting a shower correctly is more complex than it appears. Without the necessary 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 unsure 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 prior to 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shower Regrouting

How long does it take to regrout a shower?
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 stop a leak?
Yes, if the leak stems from 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 correctly and will not fix the leak. It is crucial 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 Services?

• 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 backed by a 10-year warranty on Ardex products and a 7-year workmanship warranty, subject to site assessment.
• We have accumulated 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 evaluate whether a regrout and reseal can effectively halt the leak.