How to Stop a Bath Shower Screen from Leaking

A shower has many advantages over a bath. You don't want to waste time cleaning up any water from your shower screen that leaked onto the floor.

It is annoying, tedious, and negates the primary purpose of showering. It is often quite simple to fix a leaky shower screen, provided you can identify the source. This article will walk you through the exact steps to help you fix the problem.

Avoid ignoring the problem

(Image Credit: Tapron UK)

If water finds its way into an area, it shouldn't; it can cause serious damage to your property. A leak should be addressed as soon as possible. Although small leaks are easy to ignore, they can lead to serious damage.

If left untreated, small leaks will almost always go away and can quickly escalate into significant leaks. If water is allowed to run for a long time, it can cause serious structural damage to your home. Additionally, if water is not addressed promptly, it can lead to mobility issues and problems for seniors.

Even small leaks can lead to costly damage, making you annoyed and uninspired every time you go into your bathroom.

It is essential to identify and repair any small leaks as soon as possible to avoid major or minor problems.

What causes your shower screen to leak and why?

You might be surprised to know that even newer screens and doors can leak water. There are many reasons your shower or bath screen could be leaking.

Leakage of the shower screen is most likely due to:

Gaps within the sealant

The silicone sealant is white and can be seen around the areas where your shower or bath touches the wall. This sealant acts as a waterproof barrier to stop water from escaping and makes sure it drains properly. The water may seep through the sealant near the door and onto the floor.

Bottom seal problem

The bottom of your screen or shower door should have a rubber seal. This is known as the sweep or bottom seal. If the rubber seal is damaged or incorrectly installed, the water is likely leaking from this area. This will be the most serious problem if the seal is completely broken and shows a large gap at the bottom of the screen.

Blocked drain holes

Drain holes are found on most shower screens to allow water to drain down to the floor. Over time, these holes can get blocked by dirt, dust, and other debris. The water is not draining away from the screen and is still dripping onto your floor.

How do you fix a leaking bathtub shower screen?

This type of problem can be fixed easily without the help of a professional, especially if it is caught early.

Turn on the shower and then stand outside to check for leaks. The point where your screen meets the wall is where you should be looking. If the leak does not appear immediately, go back into the shower to spray water on the wall and the bottom of your door to check if it makes any difference. It would help if you now had an idea of the source of the water leakage.

The silicone sealant may not be sufficient to waterproof the area where the leak occurs. It is best to use Sealant Remover to eliminate any discoloured sealant. You might be able to block any holes with a new sealant if the old sealant is still clear and white.

If the leak seems to be coming from underneath the screen, this could indicate a problem with the bottom seal or blocked drainage holes. You can locate the drainage holes by feeling underneath the screen and pushing something thin up into them, such as a coat hanger (or small screwdriver). This should remove all dirt and debris. If that doesn't resolve the problem, check your bottom seal's integrity. Check to see if the seal is damaged or improperly installed. If so, fix it or replace it.

If water is still leaking from your shower every time you take it, it's time for a professional to come in. While you can be content that you have found the problem, you will need to admit defeat and find someone to fix it quickly.

High-quality shower and bath screens

You can find a replacement shower screen online if you're in dire need.

It is easy to get confused when installing a bath shower. It would be best to choose a screen that matches your existing bath layout and doesn't cause any problems by leaving wet spots or spraying on the floor.

Many brands offer a variety of baths that fit all shapes and sizes. They also come in contemporary finishes.