ᐅ Shower Leak: Is It Possible to Seal It Afterwards?

Hi everyone,

We had our bathroom professionally renovated 10 years ago. Back then, I already noticed that the shower tray had a bit of movement when standing on the edge. This naturally puts quite a bit of strain on the silicone joints. The contractor addressed my complaint by using wooden shims to press the shower tray down as much as possible to reduce the movement. That solution held for a while. However, now it’s time to replace the silicone. I can do that myself, no problem, but we have already had water inside the wall on the floor below twice, and I’m considering applying a waterproofing membrane to the un-tiled areas under the shower tray (walls, floor) using PCI Lastogum to prevent worse damage next time. The downside is that any water would then collect under the shower tray 🙁

I would also try to stabilize the edges of the shower tray with additional supports.

I’m not a professional tradesperson, but I have tiled a guest bathroom myself and done the interior finishing work, so I have some skills.

I’d appreciate any advice on how to solve this issue. Attached are a few pictures.

Thanks and best regards,
Christian

We also installed a sanitary acrylic shower base on a shower support frame. The base had quite a bit of movement.

So, we reinforced the edges by building them up with aerated concrete blocks and fixed them in place using tile adhesive. Now it’s very stable, and there’s no longer any stress on the silicone sealant.

That’s what I would do.

If I remember correctly, supporting the edges when using shower support frames was even required in the installation manual.
If that applies to your case too, the contractor was grossly negligent.

KingJulien schrieb:

If I remember correctly, supporting the edges when using shower tray supports was even required in the installation manual.

There are separate metal brackets for the shower trays (almost along the entire length of each side). These are included installation materials. You are right; you don’t just place them on feet.

There are specialists in permanently elastic joint technology

Thank you very much for all the helpful answers. I’ve learned a lot 🙂

I will get bathtub rim clamps or supports. That should solve the problem. It’s really unbelievable how poorly the craftsman did the job.

For sealing, I will probably smooth the floor, then install a waterproofing membrane and sealing tapes for the corners and edges, and coat everything with PCI Lastogum. If the drain and heating pipes allow it. If anyone has a more elegant solution, I’d be happy to hear it.

Thanks again a thousand times.
Best regards,
Christian