Why Shower Doors Leak

Pinpointing the cause of a leaking shower door and fixing it fast will save you the hassle and cost of replacing damaged flooring, drywall and anything else that gets soaked every time the shower is used.

If you are not handy, don’t put off repairs. Call a contractor who will fix the leak once and for all. It’s well worth the cost of a service call.

Most leaks are not difficult to fix, so if you want to take on the job yourself, A-1 On Track offers these tips:

The primary causes of shower door leaks are incorrect application of caulk around the door, or using inferior-grade caulk. Use only silicone caulk – it won’t crack over time.

Too often, the drainage, or “weep” holes that allow water to drain from the metal track at the base of the door, are covered by caulk or filled with soap scum. The water ends up on the bathroom floor as a result. Expose the weep holes by removing old caulk or using a toothbrush to clean the scum.

If the caulking around the door is cracked, completely remove the old caulk with a razor blade first, then apply a new layer of caulk.

A brittle shower door sweep, which is a plastic or rubber strip attached to the bottom of the door to keep water inside the shower enclosure, may also be the source of leaks. Remove the screws holding it in place and replace it. You may have to trim the new sweep with a blade for a correct fit.

Your leak may also be due to a shower door that was installed backward to open in a desired direction. This places the drainage holes to the outside of the frame – a bad idea. You may have to buy and install a new door that opens the way you want but that has drainage holes on the inside of the frame.

A-1 On Track services all types of shower doors and sliding doors. Call us today at 408-866-0267 for repairs or installations.