Why Do So Many Showers Leak?

plan

Are you an architect planning a new project – maybe a new block of student housing or a residential complex? If you are, we’ve got some information that can save you a lot of headaches down the road – the reason why so many showers leak, and what to do about them!

Most tile and tray showers are not completely watertight. So even when there isn't a leak, water still finds its way underneath them, and can completely ruin a bathroom, and if left long enough, possibly an entire building. In this article, you’ll learn about the causes of shower leaks, and how to avoid them in the first place.

What Makes Showers Leak?

There are many reasons why showers can leak, but here are the most common:
Faulty or clogged showerhead: If you notice that your showerhead is dripping or spraying water in a stream, it could be clogged with mineral build-up.
Worn shower hose: A worn shower hose can cause leaks at its connection points, so check both ends of your hose for cracks or tears before replacing it.
Worn rubber seal: If your shower door has a rubber seal on the bottom edge, it may be worn out due to age or excessive use.
Worn shower valve: Another potential source for leaks around your shower is an old or faulty valve beneath the faucet spout itself.

How Much Money Is Spent on Redoing Leaky Showers?

The cost to repair a leaky shower varies depending on the extent of damage and how much work needs to be done. A leaky shower may need a new sealant or gasket installed, or it may require more extensive repairs like replacing the entire valve or faucet body. The average cost of replacing a leaky shower is £120 to £400. This depends on the size and type of shower and the materials used to replace it. That’s a lot for a tenant who has no control over what type of shower is in their bathroom.

What Other Problems Can Leaks Cause?

Leaks can cause mould growth, which leads to health issues. Leaks can also cause a building’s foundation to crumble and crack, creating further extensive repair work that needs to be done. Stressed out tenants and contractors who have to go back and sort the problem out are the typical end result here.

Are Tile and Tray Showers Really Watertight?

Tile and tray showers are not watertight. The grout surrounding the tiles is porous, meaning that water can seep through it and into the shower tray. This can lead to mould growth, which is unsightly and unhealthy.

So what should an architect do about a leaky shower?

As the architect, you can prevent this whole nightmare from unfolding!

The solution is a shower pod from Advanced Showers. These pods are made from seamless GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) material, making them completely waterproof. They don't have any gaps or holes for water to leak through.

When you’re designing an individual flat, design a space for a shower pod to fit into. Our pods are ergonomic and be built around compact spaces, so the size of the flat doesn’t matter too much.

Keep your contractors happy, and the tenant happy, with a watertight shower pod, and avoid the whole tile-and-tray mess.