Fixing a Shower Tile Leak

Fixing a Shower tile leak This is a DIY Non-Guaranteed way to Fix a Leaky Shower by Kenny NIx We've been getting a high volume of calls about wood floor repairs needed due to a leaky shower in the bathroom. For this reason it's a good idea to maintenance the shower floor every couple of years. Normally if you have a shower leak, the diagnosis is often that "the shower pan leaks". Before spending your hard earned cash to rip out the tile and install a new shower pan, here's my non-guaranteed but usually effective way to solve the problem for about $75. This solution work 99% of the time, but even if your the unlucky one, then at least you haven't invested much. After you've made sure the leak is not from the drain or from the plumbing supply pipe, then your ready to try the cure recommended. It involves sealing the shower floor and at least two rows of tiles up the wall with a penetrating tile sealer available at any local hardware store. Below you'll follow a few easy steps: 1. Clean the surface to be sealed with 4 to 5 parts water and 1 part muriatic acid. Your local hardware store will carry this product if not check a swimming pool local. Be sure to read all caution, use a plastic bucket, wear rubber gloves and also wear a respirator along with having plenty of ventilation. These are caution steps due to the strength of the acid cleaner. Any scrub brush with strong bristles should work for scrubbing tiles. 2. Rinse away acid making sure it's all removed. 3. Replace any grout missing with epoxy matching existing grout color. 4. Allow surface to dry completely. This usually take a few days of not using the shower or to speed the drying time up by using a fan. (Be sure tile is dry before applying sealer) 5. Apply 2 coats of any penetrating sealer, allowing plenty of drying time between coats. DON'T APPLY when the humidity is high. Read and follow all the manufactures directions. That's all there is to it and hopefully you'll have saved some cash. This solution takes time and patience along with following directions here and on the labels of the products involved but it's well worth it. Applications for a tiled shower are complicated endeavor made easier when you use materials designed for the task. Preventing water from leaking onto the framing and sub-flooring behind a shower. Select non-porous materials that keep the shower's wall, floor, and ceiling watertight. http://www.FlooringSolutionsLLC.com