Showers are an essential part of most households. They provide a quick and efficient way to get your day started. Unfortunately, they can be subject to various problems.

These problems can include clogged drains, leaky faucets, and broken tiles. When these issues arise, it’s best to hire a professional plumber for repairs.

Damaged Drywall

Drywall is tough and durable, but it can still get damaged. Some damage is caused by accidents or by the wear and tear of daily life in your home. Others are the result of more serious incidents or natural events like storms, fires, or floods. No matter what the cause, it’s important to repair any drywall damage as soon as possible to prevent mold and other problems.

If you’re lucky, your drywall may only have a few small holes or scuffs caused by nails or screws. While these can be tricky to fix, the problem is often easily remedied with a little patience and the right tools. You can buy a drywall patch kit for a low cost, or you can use sandpaper and premixed joint compound. Be sure to sand the surface after the application of each coat of compound, and make sure the patch is smooth before applying another coat.

Larger holes in drywall are more difficult to fix, but it’s possible to do it yourself with some time and effort. To start, find a piece of new drywall that is slightly larger than the hole. Then trace the outline of the hole on it with a pencil, making one line vertical and four lines horizontal. Next, mark the center of each wall stud with a pencil on the back of the new piece. You’ll also need to cut a few furring strips and attach them to the back of the wall where necessary.

Once you’ve removed any remaining tin or wood from the edges of the damaged drywall, apply a primer to prevent blisters and help the repaired area blend in with the surrounding wall. It’s recommended that you choose a water-resistant formula, such as ROMAN PRO-999 Rx-35, to avoid problems with moisture and mold.

Before cutting into your drywall, be sure to check behind it for electrical cords and plumbing lines. You can usually spot these items by shining a flashlight in the space. If there are any wires or pipes in the space, be sure to move them before you begin your repairs. If you are unable to safely move them, contact a professional electrician or plumber to assist with the repair.

Rusty Water

Rusty water is one of the most startling sights that can occur when you turn on a faucet or step into the shower. The water should be clear and clean, but sometimes it’s brown or rusty and has an unpleasant taste and smell. Often, this is the result of rust that has leached from old pipes in your house. The rust isn’t dangerous to drink, but it isn’t pleasant to use in washing dishes and clothes. It can also make your hair dull and prevent soap from lathering well.

If you notice rust in your home’s water supply, there are a few things that you can do to figure out where the rust is coming from and if it is a serious problem. First, ask your neighbors if they are experiencing the same issue. If they are, then it is likely an issue with the local water supply piping and should be addressed by your utility provider.

You can also check to see if the rusty water is present in your entire home or if it’s confined to certain faucets. If the rust is only in one or two faucets, it may be due to old galvanized pipes in your house that need replacing. If the rust is present in both cold and hot water, it’s probably a sign that you have a leaking pipe close to your water heater.

If you determine that the rusty water is only in your home, then it’s important to run tests to see where the rust is coming from in your system. Start by turning on a faucet and sampling the water for rust color and odor. Sample the cold water first and then the hot water. If the rust is only in the cold water, then it’s most likely caused by the older pipes in your home. If the rust is only in the hot water, it’s more likely that the issue is with your hot water heater. Regardless of where the rust is coming from, it’s best to get it fixed sooner rather than later.

Severe Leaks

If left unchecked, severe shower leaks can lead to expensive damage to your home and property. Mould and mildew growth, rot, ceiling collapse and roof repairs are just some of the potential problems that can occur if water is allowed to seep through your tiles, shower tray or walls. You would need the help of specialists in shower leak repair in these cases. However, with a few simple checks and preventative measures you can limit the damage caused by your shower to save on repair costs in the long run.

One of the most common causes of shower leaks is a broken drain cover or loose seal around the shower drain. In most homes, the shower drain is cartridge-style and operated with a single handle that turns left or right to control hot and cold water flow. These types of faucets are relatively easy to replace with a new gasket or washers, but some have two handles or work as a lever and may require more sophisticated repair techniques.

To check if your shower drain is in good condition, shut off the water supply and unscrew the handle and faceplate to reveal the valve nut underneath. Remove the nut, washers and cartridge and replace them as necessary. Once the new parts are installed, tighten the nut, but be careful not to over-tighten, as this can cause the drain to leak.

Alternatively, your shower could be suffering from a clogged or misaligned drain – this is more difficult to resolve without professional assistance. Soap scum build-up or hair caught in the drain can prevent it from sealing correctly and can allow water to leak out of the shower. In this case, your plumber will clear the drain using a drain snake and then re-seal it.

The final potential problem is a loose or cracked grout joint. A faulty or damaged grout joint can allow water to seep through, which can lead to a variety of issues, including mould and mildew. This is usually a result of old or inferior grout, and can be corrected by replacing the existing grout with fresh new grout that is waterproof and suitable for use in a wet area like a bathroom.

Structural Rot

The fungus that causes wood rot is one of the most destructive forces in a home. It eats through beams, joists, and wall studs and can even damage plaster and wallpaper. If it’s not treated promptly, the damage may reach critical areas of a structure and compromise its integrity.

When wood rot is discovered, it’s important to contact a professional right away. They can “sister” damaged beams with new through-bolted wood and ensure that all new wood is CPES (Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer) treated to protect against future rot.

Before squirting or brushing CPES over the affected area, it’s important to make sure that the spot is reasonably dry (see picture E). It will take a while for the CPES to penetrate deeply and harden, but it will also rot-proof the surface.