How to fix shower leak?

[saleens281]

Hi 

I just did a bathroom renovation. Did waterproof. Silicone and showerplug sealant on the tiles.

Is there a good option to fix this leak without ripping up the tiles? Seems like leaking from floor.

1st photo is of the shower. Blue 

circle marks the leak area.

 2nd photo is the otherside of the shower wall

Thank you

 

[EricL]

Hello @saleens281 

Thanks for sharing your questions about your shower. I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I'm afraid your waterproofing membrane has failed. If it was applied correctly water would not make it out of your shower even if the silicone sealant was applied incorrectly. I'm familiar with the products you've mentioned especially shower plug. This product technically should have stopped the leak and I can only guess that part of your grout was missed and thereby allowing water to flow through.

I propose engaging the services of a shower sealing specialist. Otherwise, the only way to seal it properly would be to remove the tiles and waterproofing and have it reapplied by a certified waterproofing specialist. I strongly suggest checking the rules and regulations of your local council regarding the application of waterproofing in your shower area.  

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Unfortunately @saleens281 I have to agree with all points by @EricL. The tiles and silicone shouldn't be/part of providing the waterproofing. It's the layers of waterproofing compound and all joins to/with cement sheeting taped.

I have done quite a few bathroom renovations over the years and though quite capable, I have always enlisted my tiler to do the waterproofing as he has an industry accreditation that comes with certification which came with a warranty that carried over to the new owners. I often see waterproofing done with just 2 coats of waterproofing where he as part of certification does 3.

My current house was mostly renovated and disappointingly later discovered short-cuts were made across many areas. Some months back silicone was starting to come out from the same place as yours in the ensuite. I let it go for a few weeks knowing this shouldn't affect waterproofing as I also wanted to redo the grout. Fortunately my wife noticed mould on the carpet behind our bed on the reverse wall, which immediately told me the waterproofing had not been done correctly as its was relying on the silicone. After removing all the silicone and grout myself I opted to to get a professional to replace it with epoxy grout, high-bond Silicone and a clear epoxy coating over the floor and half way up the walls. 

My advice is to stop using the shower and do the same prep yourself. I used my workshop blower to push all the water out (there was a lot) and let it dry out for at least a week. In the meantime get 3 local quotes because you will be surprised how vastly different they can be. Make sure they are certified and skip the big name brands as they are stupidly expensive. I think mine was around $650 for a 900 x 1200 shower.

Regards, Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good Morning @saleens281 

I am in agreeance with both @EricL and @Nailbag 

😕 Not a good answer I know, but better to fix earlier then later. I have tried to "seal" leaks before and put in nowhere near as much effort as @Nailbag but it was still a resonable effort and faild dismally. I flt like I had just poured the fix down the drain it would have been better. 

Dave