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NSJJJKKK
Jul 19, 2009, 06:34 PM
We have a stand up type shower and have had it for approx. 10+ years. We have linoleum on the floor and noticed it started coming up around the shower and also next to it is a dark color under it which I know is mold. Where do these showers leak at usually? My husband thinks it is leaking around the caulk at the level of where the glass meets the floor of the shower, but I think it is worse than that. I want to get a new floor in but we need to fix the leak first. Thanks

epawls
Jul 19, 2009, 07:18 PM
OkI always start with--Consult a licensed plumber... leaks are tricky.

First... the black stuff under the floor could be old flooring glue that was never removed... or it could be some type of mold... or it could be from an insufficient toilet seal. Either way, its an eye sore... the lineolium should probably be ripped up off the floor. Whatever the discoloration is, it will not go away by itself.

Insufficient caulking could be the culprit. Hopefully, it is bad caulking where the shower meets the floor where you step out of it. When those drops of water that hit the floor seep under the lineolium, it takes forever to dry and does a lot of damage over time. If the leak is here, tear up the lineolium, allow the area to dry as good as it can... put a new piece of lineolium down... caulk the edge where the lineolium meets the tub. Keep an ever watchful eye on the caulk lines in the tub. Caulk does not last forever and should be insepcted for imperfections on a monthly basis. Make sure it is dry before you recaulk it... or you may seal the water it in, causing more damage to the wood underneath.

Also, hope that the floor is not soft when it is pressed... if it feels like a sponge when you apply pressure to it, it is a pretty good indication that the flooring needs to be replaced. I am, of course assuming that the floor is made of wood.

If the leak is coming from the drain or the supply, the issue is best handled by a licensed plumber or contractor.

Hope this helps

speedball1
Jul 20, 2009, 05:55 AM
My husband thinks it is leaking around the caulk at the level of where the glass meets the floor of the shower, but I think it is worse than that..
It could also be a ruptured drain seal.

I want to get a new floor in but we need to fix the leak first But what if the leak's in the base?
Let's check and see! Tonight remove the strainer and plug the drain with a old wet towel or simply blow up a balloon and tie it off in the drain. Fill the base with a inch or two of water and let it set overnight. Next morning check for moisture. If you find any you've located your leak. Good luck, Tom