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Five Reasons Your Shower Leaks and Why You Need a Professional Installer

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A leaky shower can lead to water damage, so don’t try to fix it yourself.

If you have ever done a do-it-yourself plumbing project, you know how tough it can be to get it right, and the last thing you want is a water leak. A leaking shower can compromise your subfloor and walls, ruin expensive tilework and rack up big water bills. In fact, American homes collectively leak about a trillion gallons of water annually, according to the EPA, and that is nothing more than dollars down the drain. The following common causes for shower leaks are also among the easiest to avoid with knowledgeable professional help.

1. Sliced Seal

An improperly installed liner beneath all that gorgeous tile is one common site of water leakage. The liner should fit snugly inside the shower pan that forms the base of the unit, which means it has to be modified to fit the corners. The problem arises when you give into the urge to hurry and cut corners, literally. When you slice into the liner, you create a pathway where stray water spray can drip directly into your subfloor. Instead of taking that risk, trust a professional to create a completely leak-proof liner seal.

2. Trouble with Tile Grout

It only takes a tiny hole in your grout to clear the way for water damage, so get a professional to set your new tile and apply the grout. Periodically, follow up by brushing on a liquid sealer to keep your stall water-tight, and make sure to clean it regularly to avoid mold and prevent untimely damage. If your tile does begin to fail, don’t wait until the walls buckle to call for repairs.

3. Forego Grout Altogether

Alternatively, if you are tired of having to do the maintenance to upkeep your tile or periodically re-grout your tile, you might benefit from a groutless shower system. Acrylic showers offer an essentially leak-proof enclosure that you won’t need to repair every year. Cleaning is also rendered easy and convenient, since there is no grout where grime can get trapped. Just a quick pass with a clean washcloth is about all it takes!

4. Faulty Faucet

A worn-out shower head or faucet is another common cause of leaks. Fixing problematic pipes can be tricky, especially when they are buried behind cement board and sealer. When your bathroom pros are handy during your remodeling project, ask them to install a new shower head assembly for you, so that you have one less potential leak to worry about.

5. Crumbling Caulk

Gaps in caulking around the base of your shower are potential problem areas for leakage. If you are like most do-it-yourselfers, you have tried your hand with a caulking gun, only to find it nearly impossible to get a continuous, attractive, and watertight seal. As soon as you notice cracks or gaps in worn caulking, call a professional installer who has the skill set to nip those leaks in the bud.

Eliminate Leakage with USA Bath Professionals

At USA Bath, our experienced shower installers help homeowners in Northern California and Northern Nevada keep their bathrooms updated and free of water damage. Get in touch with us today for the help you need to fix leaky showers, or to find out how you can benefit from a groutless shower system.