Why Is My Shower Door Leaking?

Leaks in shower doors are among the more common problems people have in their bathrooms. It’s important to address this issue quickly, as a leak in the shower door could result in damage to flooring, subflooring and drywall, and could lead to the formation of mold and mildew in the bathroom and in structural components of the house.

The vast majority of shower door leaks in Alaska are a result of improper installation, damaged gaskets, damaged or missing door sweeps or insufficient caulking. Considering this, you’ll likely find the leaks in one of three primary places: the metal track that seals the door, the vinyl strip at the bottom of a swinging shower door or the metal frame around the door that gets attached to the walls.

Most homeowners will not actually see the leak while it’s active—in fact, the leak is almost certain to be quite small. Over time, however, the water will start to accumulate to the point where mold and mildew stains will become noticeable in the ceiling or walls below. The floor tiles might also start to become loose around the shower, and there may be noticeable issues with the baseboard.

Repairing the leak

Obviously, a leak like this that could result in some significant structural damage is something you’re going to want to resolve as soon as you notice it. With this in mind, what are the steps you’ll need to take to repair a leaking shower door?

First, you’re going to want to make sure you have all the proper equipment for the repair job. Get a caulk gun with caulk that has been designed for moisture exposure (usually silicone caulk). You’ll also need a razor blade scraper, a utility knife, finish nails, rags or a sponge, a toothbrush, a screwdriver, a putty knife, a spray lubricant and some rubber gloves.

The scraper can be used to remove any caulking inside the shower door frame. Inspect the drainage holes and channels to make sure they haven’t been filled up with caulk or soap residue, and use an old tooth brush to clean the door track on the sides and bottom. Next, inspect the rubber seals around the glass and frame for damage. You can replace parts like the door sweep or other rubber stripping pretty easily. You’ll likely need to unscrew a part to remove the damaged strips before installing the new one. Scissors or a utility knife can be used to trim the new strip to the proper length.

Put caulk in any gaps between the door frame and the tile or surround. Cracked tiles or missing grout could also be the source of the leak, so be sure to replace cracked or damaged tiles around the door if you notice them, as well as replacing old caulking on or outside the door track.

For more information about addressing shower door leaks in Alaska and the steps you can take to prevent leaks from occurring in or around your shower, we encourage you to contact Replacement Glass today.

Categorised in: Shower Doors