Regrouting a Shower: Tips to Prevent Leaks and Prepare

Have you observed water accumulating on your bathroom floor outside the shower? Cracked or discoloured grout lines may be evident, and a persistent musty odour remains despite your diligent cleaning efforts. You might have noticed paint on the adjacent 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 regrouting and resealing process can effectively stop that leak without necessitating the removal of a single tile.

This guide outlines when regrouting your shower can successfully resolve a leak and when it might not suffice. You’ll also discover what the regrouting process involves when you choose to work with Leaking Showers Sealed, including recommendations on how long to avoid using the shower afterward. If you suspect that the grout is the source of your issue, our dedicated shower regrouting page offers 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 successfully halts leaks when water escapes through damaged grout or silicone.
• We remove the old grout and replace it with Ardex EG15 epoxy grout, which is a non-porous material, and reseal corners and junctions using Ardex neutral cure silicone.
• Your tiles remain intact, allowing you to fix a leaking shower without the need for extensive renovations.
• If the leak originates from a faulty pipe, drain, or tap, consulting a plumber is necessary. A compromised membrane beneath the tiles means that a regrout alone will not resolve these issues.
• It is advisable to wait at least 24 hours before using the shower again.

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

Understanding Shower Regrouting and Its Importance

Shower regrouting is the process of removing old, cracked, or mouldy grout from between your shower tiles and 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 does.

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 if the tiles themselves appear unaffected. Often, this damage remains concealed as water accumulates behind the tiles and beneath the shower floor.

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 It also eliminates unsightly stained grout lines that can make a clean bathroom appear outdated, all without the expense and disruption of a full renovation.

Will Regrouting My Shower Effectively Fix the Leaks?

Regrouting effectively addresses 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 a suitable solution.

When Is Regrouting and Resealing the Optimal Solution?

Regrouting and resealing is the best approach when you notice cracked, crumbling, missing grout, or mould that reappears after cleaning. It is also effective if the silicone around corners and the shower base has split or detached. 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 rectify the issue. We collaborate with plumbers, and if our inspection uncovers 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 located behind the tiles and under the shower floor. Prolonged exposure to water through the grout can damage this membrane. Replacing a failing membrane requires tile removal, which falls under 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 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 essential to address cracked grout before further damage occurs.

How to Recognise the Need for Shower Regrouting

Be vigilant for the following signs that suggest 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 neighbouring areas
• Bubbling paint, discoloured walls, or soft floorboards
• Tiles that feel loose or produce a hollow sound when tapped

If you notice 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 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 comprises five essential steps, ensuring that your tiles remain undisturbed throughout the procedure.

Step 1: Inspecting the Shower and Identifying the Leak Source

We conduct a thorough examination of the grout, silicone, tiles, and surrounding areas to determine 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 carefully cut out the old grout and remove all existing silicone, including any layers applied over previous silicone. New grout cannot bond properly to old grout, making it vital to start with a clean surface.

Step 3: Thoroughly Cleaning the Tiles and Exposed Joints

We ensure that the tiles and exposed joints are meticulously 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. 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. For a complete shower seal, we also ensure the tap flanges are properly sealed.

Generally, a shower base seal takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete, while a full shower seal for both walls and floor typically requires 4 to 5 hours. It is essential to wait at least 24 hours before using the shower again to allow the grout and silicone to cure effectively.

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, as it resides within the grout where water becomes 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 provides 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 extra time to save for a future renovation.

A regrout, reseal, and thorough clean can also act 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 Feasible Option?

While DIY grout kits are readily available at hardware stores, regrouting a shower correctly is more complex than it seems. Without the proper tools and expertise, you risk:

• Damaging or cracking tiles while removing 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 full 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 Regarding 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 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 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 You Should 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 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 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 stop the leak.