Regrouting a Shower: Prevent Leaks and What to Anticipate

Have you noticed water pooling on the bathroom floor outside your shower? The grout lines may appear cracked or discoloured, and a persistent musty smell lingers despite your best cleaning efforts. Perhaps you’ve seen the paint on the opposite wall beginning to bubble or the timber door frame near the shower swelling due to excess moisture.

It’s easy to assume that a pipe has burst behind the wall. in many cases, water seeps through cracked grout and deteriorated silicone. A simple regrouting and resealing can stop that leak efficiently without the need to remove a single tile.

This guide explains when regrouting your shower can effectively fix a leak and when it might not be sufficient. You will also find insights into what the regrouting process entails when you choose to work with Leaking Showers Sealed, including how long you should refrain from using the shower afterwards. If you already suspect that the grout is the source of the issue, our dedicated shower regrouting page provides a detailed overview of our regrouting services in North Richmond, the Hills District, and the North Shore.

Can Regrouting Effectively Stop My Shower Leak?

• Regrouting can successfully halt leaks when water escapes through damaged grout or silicone.
• We remove the 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 intact, allowing you to fix a leaking shower without the need for extensive renovations or tile removal.
• If the leak is originating 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 a regrout alone will not resolve these issues.
• It’s recommended to wait at least 24 hours before using the shower again.

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

What Is Shower Regrouting and Why Is It Important?

Shower regrouting involves 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, preventing water and mould from penetrating as traditional cement grout does.

Over time, grout deteriorates due to exposure to hot water, cleaning chemicals, and minor structural movements. This deterioration results in cracks and pinholes that allow water to pass through the joints, even when the tiles themselves appear 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 again. It also removes unsightly stained grout lines that can make a clean bathroom look aged, all without the cost and disruption of a full renovation.

Will Regrouting My Shower Resolve the Leaks?

Regrouting effectively resolves leaks when water escapes through compromised grout or silicone, which are frequent causes of shower leaks. The first step is identifying the source of the water to determine if regrouting is appropriate.

When Is Regrouting and Resealing the Right Solution?

Regrouting and resealing is the ideal approach 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 cases, the tiles remain intact, and the water is leaking 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 resolve the issue. We work alongside plumbers, and if our inspection indicates a problem with a pipe, drain, or tap, we will provide a thorough 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 failing membrane involves tile removal, categorising it as renovation work that we do not undertake.

Andreas, who holds NSW licence 89111C, has expertise in waterproofing. Our team is trained to identify a failed membrane. If we find during our inspection that your shower requires more than just a regrout, we will inform you prior to commencing any work.

Addressing the issue at the first signs of trouble helps protect the membrane. Fresh epoxy grout and new silicone form 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 identify 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 Can You Expect During the Regrouting Process with Leaking Showers Sealed?

The regrouting process at Leaking Showers Sealed consists of five key steps, ensuring that your tiles remain undisturbed throughout.

Step 1: Inspecting the Shower and Identifying the Leak

We carefully examine 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 properly 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 remove 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 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 properly.

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 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 provides you with 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 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 shops, regrouting a shower correctly is more intricate 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, 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 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 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, contingent upon a site assessment.

Why Choose Leaking Showers Sealed for Your Shower Regrouting Needs?

• Since 2016, we have specialised in regrouting and resealing showers without removing tiles.
• We employ 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 over 300 Google reviews across our three locations.
• Our services cover regrouting and resealing showers throughout North Richmond, the Hills District, and the North Shore of Sydney.

If your shower is leaking, do not postpone 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.