Dripping Shower Vs. Leaking shower
Every now and then, households get to face the herculean problem of a leaking shower or a dripping shower. Just only the sound of drip… drip…drip… from a shower head or any other part of the shower is enough to drive any homeowner insane. Both leaking shower and dripping shower are considered a common household problem, that leads to a considerable waste of water and money.

Often, most people confuse both to mean the same thing, after all, they both lead to substantial water loss and other damages, but on closer inspection, leaking shower, and dripping shower are two distinct shower problems. As a homeowner, it is essential you know the difference, as this knowledge, might save you a whole of cash when it comes to repairs/replacements in the future

Dripping shower
A dripping shower head or shower is annoying, owing to the dripping sound it makes, and damages it causes. Typically, a dripping shower often results in two types of drips; slow drip and fast (steady drip). Over time it leads to an increase in water bills and grout starts to mould and decay. In addition, it can also result in staining and rust near the drain. So, what causes a dripping shower? Typical causes of dripping shower include loose and worn out parts such as valves or faucets, and sometimes the shower head itself. It could also be that the shower tap is not turning off entirely.

Leaking shower
Unlike a dripping shower that the cause is mainly surficial, a leaking shower, on the other hand, implies that there is an underlying problem. The damages caused by a leaky shower are more severe and even catastrophic. Damages range from structural damages, mould buildup, foul stench, and odour, metal failure as a result of rust, wood failure as a result of the accumulation of moisture and so on.

Whereas the effects of a dripping shower are only seen on the shower head, the effects of a leaking shower can be felt across the entire house. Poor plumbing is usually the number cause of leaking shower. The entire plumbing work of a house could be so poorly done, that certain problems will arise, sooner rather than later. Other causes of leaking shower include, wear and tear, poor quality of materials hostile cleaning products, and movement of the building leading to loose joints, uneven floor, and damages to plumbing work.

Both dripping shower and leaking shower shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you discover any signs of them in your home, quickly put a call through to a professional. Swift action will save you a lot in terms of damages and cost.

Why you should fix your leaking shower quickly?
Not only is a leaky shower discomforting, but it can also quickly become a nuisance to you and your family. Often most homeowners would rather live with the damage, and manage the leak the best way they can, but this often results in several other complications and severe damages.

There are several instances where homeowners are even unaware that their shower is leaking, and this can go on for days, and weeks underneath the shower recess or even behind walls. Although the signs of a leaking shower might not be evident at first, the damage done can be astronomical if it is not promptly treated by a professional.

If you are still indecisive about whether or not you should fix your leaky shower immediately, the following reasons may help convince you to take swift action.

Structural Damages
Leaky showers can cost severe structural damages to your property if left unattended to. You might face severe damages to your floors, walls, and the foundation of your home and this might make your home uninhabitable for a certain period. Such damages might cost you a good amount of money to repair and even replace.

Buildup of Mould
The accumulation of mould as a result of a leaking shower results in the buildup of problems on two fronts; firstly, it can lead to health complications such as respiratory problems, allergies, and hypersensitivity. Secondly, it can result in certain structural damages to the wooden parts of your home, resulting in unpleasant odour around your house, and also unpleasant sights.

Breeding ground for white ant
The perfect breeding ground for white ants is a combination of moisture and timber. The accumulation of moisture by the wooden parts of your home due to a faulty shower will attract white ants into your home, and their numbers can rise from a couple of hundred ants to thousands if the leak lingers on.

Metal failure
A continuous shower leak can result in the development of rust, and this gradual affects all the materials around it, and if the leak is not repaired on time, the metal will deteriorate leading to structural failure in most cases.

Damaged wood
A persistent shower leak on the wooden parts of your home can lead to the saturation of the wood supporting the base of the enclosure. Continuous exposure of the wood to moisture can cause; deterioration of the wood, facilitate the growth of mould, provide a breeding ground for white ants, and even lead to offensive odour around your home.

Other problems that can result from failing to repair a leaky shower immediately include;

Falling off tiles (loose tiles)
Damages to paintwork and plasterboard surfaces
Damages to grout in your home.
Stained walls and ceilings

A leaking shower shouldn’t be taken lightly, and should you discover you have one in any part of your home, it is essential you put a call through to a professional. Quick action from you might just be what saves you from health problems, severe structural damages, and even costly repairs.

What things should you look for when hiring a bathroom or shower sealer?

Given the number of homes, houses, and properties that already exist and those that spring up on a daily basis, there is an increase in the number of properties that require a sealer. Homeowners and property owners now require a reliable and reputable sealing company to help with their sealing needs.

Whether it is your bathroom or tiles, it is essential that they are correctly sealed if you want to enjoy them for a long time.
But with the given rise of sealers and sealing service providers homeowners and property owners have to be careful about who they hire as not everyone is capable of delivering an effective and efficient job that is dependable and cost-effective.
The question going on your mind right now is how then do I know the right sealer to hire? Not to worry, we will help you answer the burning question, and to provide an answer for you, we’ve identified 3 top characteristics and qualities to look out for before you hire a sealer for your home

Experience
Experience tells you that a sealer has the ability and skill to handle your sealing job, and it also tells you that they will do the job effectively. Experience also shows you that a sealer has been in sealing business for a long time. That’s the kind of sealing service provider you want to look out for and hire and not some novice who might do a poor job and live you scratching your head or do more harm than good. Before you go out to hire a sealer, check how long they’ve been in business.

Cost-effectiveness
Whether you are a small-time homeowner or you’re a big-time property owner, you want a sealer that works on a particular agreement plan without compromising on the quality of their service. Being cost effective is always a good sign that a company is responsible. Also, remember that cheapness doesn’t always equate to a satisfactory job.

Quality of work
One essential requirement you must look at for before hiring a sealer is the quality of work they render. Before hiring any sealer service provider, check their previous performances and ask around from family, neighbours, staffs, and acquaintances about them. You can check out their past reviews and recommendations. All these checks are to ensure you are hiring a reliable outlet and not some quacks that may leave you even in a more precarious situation.

These guidelines are to make the selection process for a reputable sealer easy for you. So, when next you want to hire a sealer don’t forget to look for these characteristics and qualities. If you follow these steps, you can have the peace of mind that you are hiring a sealer that will give you a top-quality job, and ensure you get the right value/service for your money.

HOW TO TELL IF IT’S TIME FOR A SHOWER RENOVATION

Showers serve as a place of comfort and relaxation. It is one place in your house that you visit at least once a day and It is most likely the first place you pop into in the morning and obviously the last place you visit just before you jump into your bed. It is because of these frequent usages that showers require more maintenance than any other part of your home.

If you have the slightest of feelings that your shower no longer provides you with the comfort that you desire, it is probably time for you to renovate it. The following hints below tell you if it’s time for a shower renovation.

Worn-out and damaged Tiles
Old age comes to us all, even our showers. The tiles are a perfect indicator that your shower is old and in need of a renovation. You would observe broken tiles or cracked tiles on the walls of your shower and also on the floor. In as much as you would rather manage your shower like that with the damaged tiles, it is very unhealthy and can prove a serious risk to your physical health. You wouldn’t want a situation whereby a ceramic shard from of the broken tiles cuts your foot. Cracked tiles and worn out tiles should not stand for a long time without renovation and repair.

Leaking shower head and faucets
A continuous leaking shower head along with a leaky faucet or two might just be a clear indication that your spindles behind your shower taps are due for a service. Leaks are an eyesore and when they are continuous, they can be a major problem not only to your shower but also your back pocket.

Old, outdated and in need of an upgrade
One place you would always go into every day is the shower. You would have to agree with this fact; most leave their showers outdated and looking tacky. Your shower is your safe haven and as such, it ought to be treated as such. Prime it up a trendy new look that is fitting. You might want to sell off the house and a beautiful shower might just be what seals the deal.

Shower Size matters
If you feel the space in your shower can’t handle your family needs, a shower renovation is just what the doctor ordered. A little expansion and a new layout would make your shower more efficient and give it a brand-new feel.

At Leaky Showers, we know how to carry out small shower rebuilds or complete renovations. We will make the process as seamless for you as possible and will deliver your new shower in a timely manner. All the hard work of renovating your shower or bathroom will be done in no time at all.

Below: Images of what your shower may look like if you find yourself in need of a rebuild or shower renovation.

Crack on very outdated back wall tiles.

Large crack along back wall

No support under floor waste and it fell through.

Tiles coming away from wall

Tiles falling off wall due to being glued with silicon filler.

Floor waste sinking through floor.

What are the signs of a leaky shower?

A leaking shower can create major problems, apart from mould and damp in walls, a leaking shower can lead to building issues and structural failure.

Do you know the signs of a leaking shower?

There are numerous signs to look for and many do not only appear in the bathroom area, they can also manifest in other locations around the home.

Here are a few signs to look if you suspect your shower is leaking –

• Bathroom doors and surrounding areas

Most of the doors/architraves and skirting’s are made from wood or a compressed wood compound. These materials have a tendency to swell when they come in contact with moisture over a period of time.

 Look for swelling or discolouration; this may be an indication of escaping water.

Look at the bottom of your architraves door jams and skirting in the general area of the bathroom. If there has been a leak for a long period, you may see rotting timber, this is a serious sign and the leak must be stopped immediately before more damage can be done.

• Loose tiles

Loose tiles are a very common sign of a leaky showers and moisture damages. This is due to the fact that the adhesives put in place to hold the tiles are weakened and damaged by the moisture building up behind them.

Look for a warped surface on the wall, which can cause a shift in the tiles.

• Damaged walls and ceilings

If you observe your walls and ceiling closely and regularly, you can get a hint if there is a water leak. Water leaks from leaking showers can lead to degradation and weakening of ceilings and walls.

Look for water stains to walls and ceilings and changes to surfaces i.e loss of shine and aesthetic appearance.

• The Smell of rot

When it comes to a leaky shower, the smell of rot is usually what gives it away in most cases. Our walls are a mixture of various materials like wood, cement, and mortar. Moisture from a leaking shower causes these materials to decay and weaken which usually leads to a very unpleasant smell around the house. These smells can be attributed to rotting wood, mould and point to a high probability that there is a major leak in the house.

• Falling/Bubbling paint on the wall

Apart from the degradation and wear of materials, moisture also has an adverse effect on paint on the wall and timber surrounds.

 Look for moisture underneath any layer of paint, gaps or bubbles that form underneath the paint.

Look for cracking and flaking paint.
Once these are observed it can indicate moisture damage and the possibility of a leaking shower.
If paint no longer sticks to the wall, there is an obvious indicator!

• Grout failure

Grout is the rough sand-like material that is used to fill in gaps between the tiles on your walls and floor. The right grout provides a durable waterproof barrier which compliments the tiles and style of the bathroom. Grout can crack, shrink or fall out and begins to lose its grip due to various reason which can lead to moisture in the walls.

Look for

• Wet floors
• Smelly/wet carpet or rugs
• Visible spaces in Tiles
• Gaps in wall joints
• Watermarks on ceilings and walls underneath bathrooms
• Off-color marks on tiles

Most leaking showers can be repaired without removing tiles at a very reasonable rate.
If you’re worried about your shower or If you think you may have a leak, give us a call