If you need to clean the bathroom floor after showering each time while getting ready for work, at night before going to bed, or another time in the day. It is very annoying to do so, and it is very disappointing when the water leaks through the shower door. So how to stop the sliding shower door from leaking water? It can be easier than you may think. Identifying leaks is the hard part. If you do not give timely attention to the leak, even a small leak may cause costly damage to your drywall and subfloor and cause mold and mildew growth.
Placing a shower door in a bathroom nowadays has become necessary for most of us. Because it not only keeps the bathroom dry but also improves the artistic looks of the interior.
Glass shower doors are set so that water remains inside the shower and does not splash outside. Although, sometimes it may start leaking, which is not the purpose of their setting. A small hole in the corner may let the water leak. Most of us want to change the shower doors when they start to water leak, but it can be very costly. Leaks in glass shower doors may be fixed with a simple solution.
This article will help you through the steps to find the leaks and analyze possible solutions.
Indications of Shower Door Leaks
In addition to puddles on the bathroom floor, there are obvious signs that the shower door is leaking. However, small leaks on the shower door are hard to find. What has been considered a small leak is that it could be a drop of water when opening a door or splashing water on a door.
Apart from the large puddles on the bathroom floor, signs of serious leaks are more specific and obvious. There are a few other symptoms of a serious leak.
If your bathroom continues to smell damp or sour, it’s a sign of mold on the interior walls or floors. Moreover, look for spots on walls or the floor. It is another sign of a significant water leak.
Another technical aspect; that shows signs of leaks is tracking the water bill and checking your water meters regularly.
Over several months, you can get the average amount of water you consume per month. After a month, if the water meter shows more water consumed than usual and there is no logical explanation, there may be a leak.
How to Locate a Shower Door Leak
Sliding door showers are generally designed for classy looks and are easy to use. Sliding door showers usually work just as well as frame showers. The only exception is problems with the rail that opens and closes the door, which leads to wear and tear over time.
Leaks in shower doors are difficult to track. Keep in mind that leaks can occur in several places. Start by turning on the water in the shower and observing from the outside to see where the water is starting to appear. Water always flows down, so it may start from higher than you think.
Common Leak Areas in Shower Doors:
- On the wall
- Where the shower door meets with the jamb
- At the bottom of the shower door or shower door rail
Causes of Shower Door Water Leaks?
Faulty Track
The track of the sliding shower door is slightly different from the frameless version. A sliding door rail is meant to guide the door and slide it backward and forward. If this path is broken or unattached, the door will not seal accurately and cause water leakage. Also, because these tracks are used constantly, they don’t last long like frameless devices.
Bad Caulking
Bad sealing or silicone is a problem that exists in all types of shower systems. Sliding doors are not caulked because the door itself moves freely, but caulking occurs at the part where the door meets the wall and leaks are found.
Incorrect Door Installation
In rare cases, sliding doors are fixed backward. It will not be as visible as you think, and the door will look undamaged. The exterior of a door designed to seal water will not function well if placed inside.
How To Repair Sliding Door Leaks?
Repairing Faulty Door Seals or Caulk
Repairing and caulking defective seals takes time and extra effort. If your seal and caulking become faulty, then you can carefully remove them with a razor blade. Instead of caulking the door directly, caulk the wall that meets the doors. After removing the caulk, reapply a new caulk. When the seal removes, use light sandpaper to exclude excess glue, and when the surface is clean, reapply the new sealant and the new seal.
Adjusting Faulty Rails
Each sliding door model has tension screws that securely hold the door in the rails. Start by loosening this tension screw until you can remove the door from the track. Then remove the frame held in place by clips or screws. When everything is free, unscrew the track and change it to a new one. Then reinstall the frame and door.
Incorrectly Installed Door Repair
If you replaced the wrong track on the sliding door, then you have to remove the door. Again, you can lift the door by loosening the tension screw. If it is installed in reverse order, flipping it over and re-installing it may solve the problem.
Final words
There are different types and models of doors available in the market. And there are also various reasons for leaking the shower door.
Each circumstance is different from others, and it is worth taking the time to pinpoint what is causing the leak. Spotting the reason for the leak is the hard part of the job, and in most cases, fixing the problem is usually a simple process once identified.
We hope this article has answered some of your questions.
