Frameless shower doors are durable and long-lasting, but they can develop leaks from wear and tear over time. Fortunately, most leaks can be repaired by a professional glass company without replacing the entire shower enclosure. If you want to know why your frameless shower door is leaking and what kind of repair might be necessary, here are the steps you should take.
List of Contents
Step 1: Check and Clean the Showerhead
First, make sure to check the shower head. If it is pointing toward the door or exterior shower wall, this could cause water to escape from the shower enclosure, giving the appearance of a leak. You will need to adjust it to make sure that the water flows towards the middle of the shower or against an interior wall. If there is any calcium or lime build-up on the showerhead it could cause the water to go in unwanted directions, so you may need to clean it. You can fill a bag with cleaning solution, then affix it to the showerhead to let it soak and clean.
Step 2: Check and Clean the Hinges
Look closely at the hinges of your frameless shower doors, checking them for built-up soap scum, calcium, lime scale, and/or rust. If any of these substances are present, they can interfere with the closure of the door, which can then cause leaks when the shower is in use. You will need to remove the buildup with a bathroom cleaner and scrub sponge.
Step 3: Look for Leaks in the Sealant
To check for leaks around the shower seal, turn on the shower, and then firmly close the door. Check along the edges of the shower door for any water escaping from inside the shower. You can use masking tape to mark those wet spots, as these indicate places where the sealant is leaking.
Step 4: Apply Silicone to Close Leaks
After identifying spots where the sealant seems to be leaking, look carefully at those spots. If the caulking shows signs of wear, cut it off with a utility knife. Clean the glass with glass cleaner so that new silicone will bond to the glass. Draw a bead of new clear silicone caulking and let it dry.
Step 5: Check the Doorsill or Curb
A faulty doorsill or curb in your shower can cause leaks near the floor. From end to end, it should be level. It should also be slanted towards the shower to prevent water from running onto the floor. If the curb is not positioned like this, it is probably an installation or damage issue. If you do not have a doorsill or curb, your shower floor should be slanted to angle water towards the drain, Ensure the drain is draining properly and that water is not backing up to overflow onto the floor.
Step 6: Check and Repair Door Sweep
Your shower door may have a door sweep at the bottom, which is designed to keep water in the shower stall. Examine the sweep on the inside of the door. If it appears to be detached or broken, remove the sweep and replace it, following the manufacturer’s directions. You may need to do the same for the sweep on the outside of the shower door if it has one and if it seems similarly aged or damaged.
Professional frameless shower door and shower enclosure installation can help to repair leaks, and a professional glass company can help you save on shower door replacement by applying minor repairs to correct leaks as necessary. Talk to the glass professionals at Pleasanton Glass today to help make your frameless shower doors functional and leak free.
