Regrouting a Shower: Essential Tips to Avoid Leaks

Have you noticed water pooling on the bathroom floor just outside your shower? The grout lines might appear cracked or stained, and a persistent musty smell hangs in the air, despite your best cleaning efforts. You may also observe that paint on the adjacent wall is beginning to bubble, or the wooden 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 cases, water seeps through damaged grout and worn-out silicone. A simple process of regrouting and resealing can effectively halt that leak without the need to remove a single tile.

This detailed guide outlines when regrouting your shower can effectively resolve a leak and when it may not suffice. You will also learn about the regrouting process we follow at 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 services in North Richmond, the Hills District, and the North Shore.

Can Regrouting Effectively Resolve My Shower Leak?

• Regrouting can successfully stop leaks when water escapes through damaged grout or silicone.
• We remove the existing 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 intact, enabling you to fix a leaking shower without the need for extensive renovations or tile removal.
• If the leak originates from a faulty pipe, drain, or tap, you will need to consult a plumber. A compromised membrane beneath the tiles will require tile removal, meaning regrouting alone will not resolve these issues.
• It is recommended to wait at least 24 hours before using the shower again.

Get in touch with Leaking Showers Sealed if you have noticed mouldy grout, a damp smell, or water leaking around your shower.

The Importance of Shower Regrouting Explained

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 shifts. This deterioration results in cracks and pinholes that allow water to penetrate 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 a clean bathroom appear aged, all without the expense and disruption of a full renovation.

Will Regrouting My Shower Fix the Leaks?

Regrouting effectively addresses leaks when water escapes through compromised grout or silicone, which are common culprits. The first step involves identifying the source of the water to ascertain whether regrouting is the appropriate solution.

When Is Regrouting and Resealing the Right Approach?

Regrouting and resealing is the ideal solution when you observe cracked, crumbling, or missing grout, or mould that reappears 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 Consult a Plumber Instead of Regrouting?

If the leak is coming from a pipe within the wall, the shower drain, or a tap, regrouting will not solve the problem. We collaborate 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 Has Failed?

A waterproofing membrane is located behind the tiles and under the shower floor. Extended exposure to water through the grout can compromise this membrane. Replacing a faulty membrane requires tile removal, categorising 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 a simple regrout, we will inform you before proceeding with any work.

Addressing the issue 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.

How to Identify the Need for Shower Regrouting

Look 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 signs, it is likely that the grout and silicone are no longer effectively retaining water within the shower. Tiles that sound hollow when tapped, referred to 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 involves five key 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 determine 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 meticulously cut out the old grout and remove all existing silicone, including any layers applied over previous silicone. New grout cannot adhere properly to old grout, making it imperative 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, guaranteeing that the new grout bonds effectively to a pristine surface.

Step 4: Applying Epoxy Grout for Regrouting 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 ensure a complete shower seal, we also seal the tap flanges.

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 Shower Mould?

Regrouting effectively eradicates 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 details 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 postpone 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 additional 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 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 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 significantly 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shower Regrouting

How long does shower regrouting take?
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, subject to a site assessment.

Why Choose Leaking Showers Sealed for Your Shower Regrouting?

• 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 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 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 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.