Leaking shower enclosure

oz0707

Hi all,

Fitted a shower enclosure that appears to be leaking form the wall u channel. It's coming out on the bottom corner on the outside of the shower. Being an amateur i've siliconed the bottom on both the inside and the outside of the shower. Thankfully I suppose I've missed a bit out from the outside on the bottom corner which appears to be letting the water escape. I've read a few articles regarding this and was wondering if it may be a sensible idea to drill a 4mm (ish) hole from the inside of the enc, to allow the water to flow back it, and sealing the outside corner. I suppose trying to remove the silicone on the inside would be a good idea but I don't think this will work very well (tiled floor, wet room style). Obviously the hole will invalidate any warranty, but I can't see the manufacturer shelling out for a new enc anyway. The instructions never mentioned not to seal the inside either.

http://www.showeradvisor.co.uk/water-leaks.asp#wall-channels

Thanks in advance

southcoastrgi

rather than go through the whole thing i suggest you read your own link

oz0707

I have, but it's too late, i've sealed the inside. Was hoping for suggestions to rectify the problem and/or previous similar experiences

DevCoder

As mentioned, the link details all you need to know/do.

southcoastrgi

then the easiest thing to do is remove the sealant on the inside & let the frame drain into the tray like it's suppost to

DevCoder

I had simliar experience and just mastic coated everything that leaked when I trained a water spray on it until I could afford it to be ripped out and started again.

Wouldnt like to give it more than 6 months though as the look is hideous and you are always worrying about the potential leaks. I only waited 6 months as this was the time for a complete bathroom replacement.

oz0707

Ill try that then. As I mentioned though my enclosure sits onto a tiled floor and I can see the silicone having bonded really well to the tiles/grout, can't see it being as easy to remove as if it were sealed to a tray. Ill report back once i've tried removing anyway...

'that' being removing silicone inside

southcoastrgi

you can prob get most of it off with a scaper & the rest with your finger nails, but if it's a wetroom is it really that much hassle if it does leak slightly ?

DevCoder

There is also silicone remover, only used it twice but SCRGI will know if its effective, if you do use it then you'll need to neutralise the area which might be more hassle then its worth.

oz0707

With it being a wet room no not really, it's a problem wholly created by the enclosure (and the fitter!). But you try explaining to an old lady that it's ok that her enclosure leaks! I'd rather just fix it for her.

oz0707

By the way will I still have to neutralise if i'm not planning on re sealing when I use the remover?