Shower Pan Repair

It is really annoying and irritating to have a leaky shower pan. The leakage can occur in several ways. At times, the problem is irreparable. The only way left is to tear out the ruined old shower pan and install a new shower pan in its place. Shower pan replacement is quite expensive. Thankfully, most of the time, the problematic shower pan can be repaired and there are some effective ways of doing this. These methods generally rectify the problem. Even if they don't repair permanently, at least they would delay your plan to replace the shower pan. The two important methods of repairing shower pan are discussed below.

Repairing Shower Pan
Epoxy Injection: The most effective way to fix a leaky shower pan is to inject epoxy through the floor of the shower. Epoxy is a thermosetting resin and forms a waterproof layer under the shower. It is used as a strong adhesive. Here, you need to be careful as there is every possibility that epoxy runs toward the shower water flow. This would block the drain and the shower pan would not drain properly. Therefore, injection of epoxy, at times, can itself become a problem.

Grout Repair: As per the basic design of a shower pan, water reaches the shower drain after flowing through the shower floor grout and then the shower pan liner beneath. The grout, if not made of epoxy, is not waterproof. After a period of time, water deteriorates the grout through which it regularly seeps. As a result, the grout can break and develop cracks. In order to not let it happen, you need to seal the grout to protect it from water.

If you find the grout cracked, seal the crack with a good quality sealant. If the sub-floor underneath has also deteriorated, then you better replace the shower pan. There are situations when the grout fails only at the corners of the shower. The water flows on the outside the liner.

Check whether the shower pan is still in working condition. If it is, then you can fix the leak. Allow the shower to dry completely. Seal the crack with a waterproof sealant to make it watertight. Silicone caulks are best for this purpose.

If the grout has failed completely, then the ideal option is to go for re-grout. Remove the deteriorated grout with a saw. Fit in the new grout. You would need a rubber grout trowel for fixing. Check for its soundness through all the corners and the floor. Seal it with silicone when the shower pan is dry. This accomplishes your repair task.

A shower pan has a little complicated construction. All of its significant parts are under the floor. If you understand the basic build of a shower pan, you can avoid many problems. Here are some points you should not miss to keep your shower pan leak proof.

Tips for a Leak Proof Shower Pan
The shower pan floor is built of several layers. Make sure at least one of the layers is watertight. You can use vinyl to form such a membrane. The shower pan has two drain levels. Make both of them waterproof by gluing vinyl to them. You can seal the whole shower from water by installing the sealant on the walls and the threshold. If you are tired of watching out for mortar layers and vinyl membranes, then go for a shower kit. This is a tile-ready shower pan. Users find it easy to install.

You can conduct shower pan repair effectively and easily, if you know well which part is damaged and needs repair. A sound knowledge of the construction of a shower pan would prove to be of great help.