Shower Regrouting & Leaking Shower FAQs
Shower Regrouting Perth provides professional advice and repair solutions for leaking showers, deteriorated grout, failed silicone, balcony leaks and tiled wet areas across Perth.
This FAQ answers some of the most common questions we receive about shower regrouting, leaking shower repairs, grout replacement, epoxy grouting, silicone replacement, balcony repairs, curing times and when repairs can be completed without removing tiles.
With decades of experience, we aim to provide clear and practical information to help homeowners, property managers, strata managers and other property professionals understand the condition of their tiled areas and the repair options available.
What causes a shower to leak?
A leaking shower is often caused by deteriorated grout, cracked or separated silicone, movement within the shower recess, or gaps around tiled junctions where water can penetrate.
In many cases, the problem can be repaired by removing the deteriorated grout and sealant and professionally regrouting and resealing the shower without removing the tiles.
However, not every shower leak is caused by grout or silicone. Plumbing faults, loose or damaged tiles, structural movement, or a failed waterproofing membrane may require a different type of repair.
The condition of the shower can often be assessed from clear photos and information provided by the customer, with an onsite assessment arranged where required.
Can a leaking shower be repaired without removing tiles?
Yes, in many cases a leaking shower can be repaired without removing the existing tiles.
If the tiles are secure and the main issue is deteriorated grout, failed silicone or gaps around tiled junctions, the affected areas can often be professionally regrouted and resealed to help stop water penetration.
This approach avoids the cost, mess and disruption of a full shower renovation.
However, if there are loose or damaged tiles, plumbing problems, significant structural movement or a failed waterproofing system, regrouting alone may not be the appropriate repair.
How do I know if a shower leak is caused by grout, silicone or waterproofing?
Cracked, missing or deteriorated grout and split or separated silicone are common signs that water may be getting through the tiled surface.
Other signs can include dampness outside the shower, swollen skirting boards, peeling or blistering paint, mould, stained carpet, rusting door frames or damage to ceilings below.
However, these signs do not always identify the exact cause of the leak.
Plumbing faults, loose tiles, movement within the shower recess or a failed waterproofing membrane can produce similar symptoms.
Clear photos and information about the problem can often help determine whether regrouting and resealing is likely to be suitable, with an onsite assessment arranged where required.
What are the common signs of a leaking shower?
Common signs of a leaking shower can include cracked or missing grout, deteriorated or separated silicone, mould or mildew, swollen skirting boards, peeling or blistering paint, damp or stained carpet, rusting door frames, and water damage to walls or ceilings near or below the shower.
Some leaks develop gradually and may not be immediately obvious. Small cracks, gaps or signs of deterioration around the shower should be addressed early, as ongoing moisture can lead to more extensive damage over time.
Not every sign of moisture is caused by grout or silicone, so the overall condition of the shower and surrounding area should be considered before deciding on the appropriate repair.
Can regrouting fix every leaking shower?
No. Regrouting can be an effective repair when the problem is caused by deteriorated grout, failed silicone or gaps within the tiled shower area.
However, regrouting will not correct every type of leak. Plumbing faults, loose or damaged tiles, significant structural movement, water entering from another source or a failed waterproofing system may require a different repair.
The condition of the shower and the surrounding area should be considered before deciding whether regrouting and resealing is the appropriate solution.
How long does shower regrouting take?
Most standard shower regrouting jobs are usually completed within approximately 3–4 hours.
The exact time can vary depending on the size and condition of the shower, the amount of grout and silicone that needs to be removed, access to the work area, and the hardness or type of existing grout or sealing products being removed.
Some older or harder products can take considerably longer to remove safely and thoroughly.
More extensive or heavily deteriorated showers may also require additional time to complete.
How long before I can use my shower after regrouting?
We normally recommend that the shower is not used for at least 24 hours before the regrouting work is carried out. This allows the shower area to dry thoroughly and helps reduce the chance of moisture remaining beneath or around the tiled surfaces.
After the regrouting and resealing work is completed, we recommend leaving the shower unused for approximately 48 hours for the best possible curing and long-term result.
Curing times can vary depending on the products used and site conditions, so any specific instructions provided should always be followed.
Do you remove all the old grout before regrouting?
Where suitable, the existing grout is mechanically removed to approximately the full depth of the tile before new grout is applied.
The exact amount that can be safely removed depends on the condition and hardness of the existing grout, the tile type, joint width and overall construction of the tiled area.
Removing the old grout to a suitable depth helps create a clean, sound joint for the new grout to bond properly and provides a more durable long-term result.
Care is taken during the removal process to minimise the risk of damage to the surrounding tiles.
Is epoxy grout better than standard grout?
Epoxy grout can be an excellent option in certain applications because it is highly resistant to moisture and staining, has very low water absorption and can offer greater chemical and mechanical resistance than traditional cement-based grout.
However, epoxy grout is not automatically the best choice for every tiled area.
The width and depth of the grout joints, type of tile, texture and porosity of the tile surface, the particular epoxy product being used, and the location and environment of the tiled area all need to be considered.
Rough, textured or heavily patterned tiles can be more difficult to grout with epoxy because residue may become trapped within grooves or surface irregularities, making it difficult to achieve a clean and even finish.
Exposure conditions are also important. Some epoxy grouts may experience colour changes, including yellowing or darkening, when exposed to UV light, while other formulations are specifically designed to provide greater UV stability. Chemical resistance also varies between products and the type of chemical exposure.
For these reasons, we select the grout according to the tiles, joint size, location and intended use rather than recommending epoxy grout for every application.
When is epoxy grout recommended?
Epoxy grout is often recommended for tiled areas where greater resistance to moisture, staining, chemicals or heavy wear is required.
It can be particularly suitable for showers, bathrooms, balconies, high-traffic tiled areas, commercial environments and other locations where a more durable and low-absorption grout is beneficial.
Before recommending epoxy grout, we consider the surface texture and porosity of the tiles, the width and depth of the joints, the location of the tiled area, exposure to UV light, expected chemical exposure, traffic levels and the specific epoxy product being used.
Epoxy grout is not suitable for every application, so the product and installation method should always be matched to the tile surface, joint size and conditions of the area.
Can a leaking balcony be repaired without removing tiles?
In many cases, a leaking balcony can be repaired without removing the existing tiles, particularly when the tiles are secure and the problem is associated with deteriorated grout, failed sealant or gaps within the tiled surface.
Depending on the condition of the balcony, the existing grout can be removed and replaced with a suitable grout system, with junctions and movement areas resealed where required.
However, regrouting is not suitable for every leaking balcony. Loose or damaged tiles, significant structural movement, drainage problems or a failed waterproofing system may require more extensive repairs.
The overall condition of the tiled area should be considered before deciding whether regrouting and resealing is an appropriate repair.
What causes balcony grout to crack or deteriorate?
Balcony grout can deteriorate over time due to movement, weather exposure, moisture, temperature changes, UV exposure, heavy use and the natural ageing of the grout and sealants.
Cracks can also develop where there is movement in the tiled surface, inadequate joints, poor previous repairs or ongoing water penetration.
Once grout begins to crack or break down, moisture can enter the joints more easily and contribute to further deterioration.
The condition of the tiles, grout, sealants, drainage and surrounding structure should all be considered before deciding on the most suitable repair.
When should silicone be replaced in a shower or bathroom?
Silicone should be replaced when it begins to crack, split, separate from the tiles, develop gaps, become heavily mould-stained or lose its flexibility.
Silicone is commonly used around internal corners, wall-to-floor junctions, shower screens, baths and other areas where movement can occur. Over time, moisture, cleaning products, movement and general ageing can cause the seal to deteriorate.
Replacing failed silicone before significant gaps develop can help prevent water from penetrating into surrounding areas and maintain a cleaner, more watertight finish.
Do you provide quotes from photos or onsite assessments?
Yes. In many cases, we can assess the condition of a shower or tiled area and provide a quote from clear photos together with information about the problem.
We generally ask for photos showing the complete tiled area as well as closer images of any cracked grout, deteriorated silicone, damaged areas or signs of moisture.
Where the condition cannot be accurately assessed from photos, or where the source of the problem requires further investigation, an onsite assessment can be arranged.
This allows us to recommend the most appropriate repair without requiring an onsite visit for every enquiry.