How to seal shower gutter drain from rust?

Hi all, grateful for some advice here. I have a 5 yo new build, the builder won't fix my problem. (I don't have the energy to fight them!!)

A supposed "stainless steel" gutter drain in the shower has developed rust spots. Yes, water pools there because the gutter not layed correctly.

I think the gutter has a lip that goes under the tiles. Relaying the gutter seems to big a job.

I keep the cover off the gutter so that I can clean and dry it regularly. Is there a product i can paint the drain with to seal it so that the rust does not progress? I was thinking something like silicon??

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JacobZ

Hi @EffieM,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

It may be stainless steel, but it could be a cheaper grade like 201 or 430 stainless, which aren’t fully rust-resistant in wet environments

Unfortunately, I am not aware of a product specifically designed for protecting stainless steel that has developed rust like this.

The best option I can think of is to give it a scrub with some Bar Keepers Friend, then wipe it down with 3M Stainless Steel Cleaner And Polish, which leaves a light protective film to help protect the surface of the metal.

You could also try painting the surface with some Metal Spray Paint. These paints aren't designed for constantly wet environments, but they should help for some time. Unfortunately, with this method, it would have to be a case of try and see.

The only way I could say to completely fix the issue is to remove the gutter drain and replace it with a 316 marine-grade stainless steel alternative.

Allow me to tag some of our knowledgeable members for their thoughts - @Dave-1, @Noyade and @AlanM52.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

Dave-1

Good afternoon @EffieM

I was thinking of a cleaning agent used regulary to keep the rust at bay when you clean you shower. I hadnt seen one like the one that @JacobZ has mentioned but after looking at it, it seems to fit your issue perfectly for an easier maitenance cycle then having to pull up and replace the drain itself.

Dave

AlanM52

Hi Effie,

There are all sorts of remedies from Vinegar through to WD40 and in all the cases I know of the rust returns.

I am thinking of this:

Screenshot 2025-08-02 141742.jpeg

The workshop lads might have something better.

Cheers

EffieM

Thanks @JacobZ

EffieM

Thanks for your input @Dave-1

EffieM

Thanks @AlanM52 . I will check out that product.

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