Would waterproof wall panels in shower stop leaking?

Question

Hello

During pre-inspection over a year ago I was told that there was a slight leak in the wall.

Also, a contractor's quote showed 99% moisture on the floor (the same spot where water ended up from my recent red dye leak test - see photos).

I "fixed" the shower screen with flashing tape.

For the leak to the wall, at the moment i'm taping plastic sheeting across the wall just under the taps, as I'm guessing the leak to the wall is through the grout. So I'm basically just covering up the grout.

I'm wondering if completely waterproof wall panels placed over the tiles would work for the leak going to the wall as a more permanent fix.

I don't have the cash to spare at the moment for a major reno. But I don't want to make things worse either.

Any suggestions re the wall panels, and if so, can you recommend a particular type?

And any suggestions for the shower screen leak? The flashing seems to be working at the moment.

Thank you for your patience guys.

MitchellMc · Answer

Hi @LorenClayton,

I just wanted to go through a few things here which Eric has mentioned, which would help resolve this issue.

Let's start at the base. Grab yourself a

https://www.bunnings.com.au/dunlop-800g-magellan-grey-ready-to-go-coloured-grout_p0247347

(or closest colour) and fill in any gaps in the grouting on your shower base and any missing grout on the walls. Next, coat the base and walls with

https://www.bunnings.com.au/cpc-220ml-shower-plug-sealant_p1585225

(this seals your grout and fills tiny cracks). Once that is completed, caulk all around the inside of the shower between the shower frame and the tiles with wet-area silicone. If there is any old deteriorated silicone, remove it first.

Once this is done, you should be able to remove that flashing on the outside as water can't pass under the frame due to the silicone seal.

By following the above, it should solve all your problems, and you won't have to resort to plastic sheeting. These proper fixes can be done over a couple of weekends and are a much more long-lasting solution.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

EricL · Answer

Hello @LorenClayton

I'm sorry to hear that you've got a shower leak in your bathroom. If we were to explore the "what if" options, some of the waterproof or non-moisture permeable materials that come to mind are

https://www.bunnings.com.au/3mm-corflute-white-900-x-600mm_p0390160

and

https://www.bunnings.com.au/suntuf-900-x-600-3mm-flat-white-acrylic-sheet-white_p1010493

and of course plastic sheeting. But these are temporary repair options at best. The issue with using these barriers is that moisture will enter the backside and cause mould and mildew infestation.

As a possible alternative, I propose instead regrouting your current shower. This will take out all the weak spots in your grouting lines and partially refresh your shower. I then suggest sealing both grout and tile with

https://www.bunnings.com.au/cpc-220ml-shower-plug-sealant_p1585225

. It is an invisible brush-on treatment to fix and prevent leaks in showers and balconies, without having to remove tiles.

In regard to the shower leak, I suggest using

https://www.bunnings.com.au/selleys-300g-white-wet-area-waterproof-silicone-sealant_p1230981

to seal the gaps around the shower frame. You can apply it both on the inside and outside of the shower frame.

Here are some handy guides:

* How to remove grout 
* How To Grout Tiles 
* How To Seal Grout 
* How To Silicone Seal A Bath (the techniques used are applicable to your shower frame)

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a dust mask.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric