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Shower door leaking? Fix it before it’s too late with these easy tips.

Cleaning up water on the bathroom floor after a shower is probably the last thing you want to do—in the morning while getting ready for work, at night before going to bed, or anytime. Shower door water leaks can be annoying. How can you fix a water leak in your shower door? It’s probably easier than you may think. It can be difficult to find the leak. We’ll walk you through the steps to find the leak and break down the possible solutions.

Shower door water leaks don’t always result in big pools of water on the floor of the bathroom after a shower has run. Over the course of several years, small amounts of moisture can cause damage. There are many consequences, including discoloration, scum buildup, black mold and even rotten subflooring and drywall.

It is important to find and stop any water leaks as soon as possible. It’s best to check for water leaks from the shower door after a new shower door has been installed, and periodically throughout its lifetime. Shower door parts can wear out over time and this can cause water leaks that weren’t present before to form at later dates.

The structure of your shower will determine how water is kept in the shower. The type of shower you have will determine the source of the water leakage and the best way to repair it. Do you have:

Framed shower door leaks?
Semi-frameless shower door leaks?
Frameless shower door leaks?

What are the causes of shower door water leaks

Leakage of water from shower doors or enclosures can occur for many reasons. Water can leak from old and new showers. Typically, shower door water leaks are caused by:

- Ineffective caulking Both framed and frameless shower doors are sealed in around the edges with caulk to prevent water from exiting the shower. Water can escape from shower doors if it is missing or worn out.

- Broken or improperly installed shower door sweeps Frameless shower doors generally have sweeps attached to the bottom of the door which keeps water from exiting the shower underneath of the door.

Broken or improperly installed shower door seals

Frameless shower doors usually have seals installed on the vertical edge that meets the stationary pane in order to keep water from exiting through the crack, while still allowing the door to swing.

Clogged drain holes Framed shower doors usually have drain holes located along the bottom inside edge of the frame. This allows water to drain from the shower, regardless of how it enters the frame. These holes may become blocked, and water can overflow into your bathroom.
Unslanted shower curbs A shower curb is the threshold which you step over to enter and exit the shower. It’s usually just a few inches tall, but it plays an important part in keeping water in the shower. It acts as a barrier and should have a 5-degree angle so water that falls on the curb can run back into the shower.

How to Locate a Shower Door Leak

Shower door leaks can be difficult to track down. The leak could be coming from several places. To find out where the water is coming from, turn on the water and watch the outside. It is likely that water is coming from higher than you think. Water flows down so it could be flowing downwards.

Typical shower door leak locations include:

Along the wall
Where the shower door meets the jamb
Along the bottom of the shower door or shower door track

How to Fix a Shower Door Leak

How the leak is fixed will depend on where the leak is originating from and what type of shower enclosure you have. It is best to leave any work to your bathroom, and especially your shower, to professionals. Professionals have the tools and materials necessary to correct any issues right away and avoid any future problems. This information is intended to provide a guideline for professionals who might be able to correct the problem.

Shower Leak Along the Wall

Old caulk should be removed and fresh caulk should be applied to the inside edges of the frame where it meets the walls and tub. Caulk should not block drain holes.

Shower Door Leaks Under the Door

In a framed shower door, if the leak is originating near the bottom of the door, it is likely caused by clogged drain holes. To clean the drain holes, locate them along the frame’s bottom edge.

If the shower door is frameless, you’ll want to inspect the sweep that runs across the bottom of the door. Some sweeps have an adjustable feature that can be adjusted as the door wears. Sometimes, sweeps can become worn out over years of usage. If the sweep is missing, damaged, or improperly adjusted, you’ll want to have it fixed or replaced.

If the sweep appears to be in working order, take a look at the shower’s curb. The curb may be causing the problem if there isn’t enough slope in the direction of the shower. The only solution is to re-tile the area.

Shower Door Leaks Between Glass

If water is leaking through a shower door where two panes of glass meet, a seal should be installed. This seal is a barrier that plugs the space between the panes. It allows the water to drain back inside the shower and not escape. They are typically attached with adhesive to keep them in place.

How thegoneapp.com® Can Help

If your glass shower enclosure needs to be repaired, use thegoneapp.com to locate a reputable shower door dealer or glass shop in your area that can assess the needed repairs and provide a quote. Do you want to upgrade your shower enclosure? We can help you with that as well!

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thegoneapp.com attempts to provide accurate information but cannot be held liable for any information provided or omitted. It is important to only work with licensed, insured and reputable shops that are able to assess your individual needs and comply with local building codes. They can also offer professional services. You should never attempt to cut or install glass by yourself. All information is provided for informational purposes only.