Regrouting a Shower: Stop Leaks and What to Expect

You may have noticed water accumulating on the bathroom floor outside the shower. The grout lines appear cracked or stained, and there’s a persistent musty odour that cleaning fails to eliminate. Perhaps the paint on the opposite side of the wall has begun to bubble, or the timber door frame near the shower has swollen due to moisture.

It's common to jump to the conclusion that a pipe has burst behind the wall. in many cases, water escapes through cracked grout and deteriorated silicone. A straightforward regrout and reseal can effectively stop that leak without the need to remove a single tile.

This guide details when regrouting a shower can effectively resolve a leak, and when it cannot. You'll also learn what the regrouting process involves when you engage Leaking Showers Sealed, and how long you should avoid using the shower afterwards. If you’re already aware that the grout is the issue, our dedicated shower regrouting page outlines our process for regrouting showers in North Richmond, the Hills District, and the North Shore.

Can Regrouting Eliminate My Shower Leak?

• Regrouting effectively stops 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 with Ardex neutral cure silicone.
• The tiles remain intact, allowing you to halt a leaking shower without the need for tile removal or extensive renovations.
• If the issue stems from a leaking pipe, drain, or tap, you will require a plumber. A failed membrane beneath the tiles necessitates tile removal, which means a regrout will not address these problems.
• It's advisable to wait at least 24 hours before using the shower again.

Reach out to Leaking Showers Sealed if you've observed mouldy grout, a damp odour, or water leaking around your shower.

Understanding Shower Regrouting

Shower regrouting involves removing old, cracked, or mouldy grout from between your shower tiles and replacing it with new grout that reinstates 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 as they do with traditional cement grout.

Over time, grout deteriorates due to exposure to hot water, cleaning agents, and minor structural movements. This leads to cracks and pinholes that allow water to pass through the joints, even when the tiles appear unaffected. Often, the damage remains hidden, as water accumulates behind the tiles and beneath the shower floor.

Regrouting restores these joints, making the shower watertight again. It also eliminates unsightly stained grout lines that can make a clean bathroom seem aged, all without the expense and upheaval of a full renovation.

Will Regrouting a Shower Resolve Leaks?

Regrouting successfully resolves leaks when water escapes through compromised grout or silicone, which are common culprits for shower leaks. it will not rectify leaks originating from other sources, so the first step is identifying where the water is coming from.

When Is Regrouting and Resealing the Appropriate Solution?

Regrouting and resealing is the best course of action when grout appears cracked, crumbling, missing, or infested with mould that returns after cleaning. It's also effective if the silicone around corners and the shower base has split or detached. In these instances, the tiles themselves remain sound, and the water is leaking through the joints.

When Should You Call 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 collaborate with plumbers, and if our inspection reveals a pipe, drain, or tap problem, we will provide a detailed explanation and refer you to a plumber for further assistance.

What If the Waterproofing Membrane Beneath the Tiles Has Failed?

A waterproofing membrane is situated behind the tiles and under the shower floor. Prolonged exposure to water through the grout can compromise this membrane. Replacing a failing membrane entails removing the tiles, categorising it as renovation work that we do not perform.

Andreas holds NSW licence 89111C, which includes waterproofing expertise. Our team is trained to identify a failed membrane. If we determine that your shower requires more than a regrout, we will communicate this before any work commences.

Regrouting 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.

Identifying the Need for Shower Regrouting

The following indicators suggest that your shower might be leaking through the grout and silicone:

• Cracked, loose, or missing grout between the tiles
• Mould that quickly reappears after cleaning
• Damp odours or moisture damage near the shower
• Water pooling outside the shower or leaking into adjacent rooms
• Bubbling paint, stained walls, or soft floorboards
• Tiles that feel loose or sound hollow when tapped

If you recognise any of these signs, it’s likely that the grout and silicone are no longer adequately retaining water within the shower. Tiles that sound hollow when tapped, known as drummy tiles, may require refixing prior to the shower being resealed, and we check for these during our inspection.

What to Expect When Leaking Showers Sealed Regrouts Your Shower

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

Step 1: Inspecting the Shower and Locating the Leak

We examine the grout, silicone, tiles, and surrounding areas to determine where the water is escaping. Should our inspection indicate 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 adhere properly to old grout, so it is essential to start fresh.

Step 3: Cleaning the Tiles and Exposed Joints

We thoroughly clean the tiles and empty joints to eliminate soap scum, dust, and mould, ensuring that the new grout bonds 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 full shower seal, we ensure the tap flanges are also sealed.

A shower base seal typically 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.

Does Regrouting Remove Shower Mould?

Regrouting effectively eliminates mould that has infiltrated the grout, as the mouldy grout is removed and 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, refer to our guide.

Can Regrouting Help You Avoid a Full Bathroom Renovation?

For many homeowners, regrouting presents a viable way to postpone or avoid a complete bathroom renovation. If the tiles are in good condition and the leak is traced to the grout and silicone, a regrout and reseal will restore the shower's watertight integrity. This approach also affords you additional time to save for a future renovation.

A regrout, reseal, and thorough clean can also serve as a practical refresh before putting a home on the market or for landlords in between tenant occupancy. Our article on regrouting a shower as a budget-friendly renovation highlights how significantly a regrout can enhance a bathroom's appearance.

Is DIY Regrouting a Shower Feasible?

While DIY grout kits are available at hardware stores, regrouting a shower correctly is more complex than it appears. Without the appropriate tools and experience, you risk:

• Damaging or cracking tiles during the removal of 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
• Concealing a leak stemming 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 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 heavy mould, silicone layered over old silicone, or prior repairs that need removal
• Drummy or loose tiles that require refixing before resealing the shower

Regrouting is significantly less expensive 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.

Common Questions About Shower Regrouting

How long does shower regrouting take?
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 ventilation of the bathroom, 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 correctly 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 Trust Leaking Showers Sealed with Your Shower Regrouting?

• Since 2016, we have specialised in regrouting and resealing showers without the removal of tiles.
• We utilise Ardex EG15 epoxy grout and Ardex ST neutral cure silicone for quality 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 boast over 300 Google reviews across our three locations.
• Our services extend to regrouting and resealing showers throughout North Richmond, the Hills District, and the North Shore of Sydney.

If your shower is leaking, don’t delay in addressing the damage that could be 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.