How to Fix a Leak in a Shower Pan

A shower pan is the technical term for the floor of the shower that catches the water before funneling it into the drain. Over time, a shower pan may develop cracks, which can leak. A leaking shower pan can cause damage, such as mildew growth and rot, to the surrounding floors and walls. Fortunately, a leaking shower pan does not necessarily need to be replaced. It can probably be fixed in a few simple steps at home, but it is imperative to repair any leak in a shower pan as soon as it is detected.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Muriatic acid
• Grout
• Caulk
• Masonry sealer

1. Clean the shower pan with a mixture of four parts water to one part muratic acid. Rinse thoroughly.

2. Allow the shower to dry completely. This can take as much as a week.

3. Check the floor for the source of the leak. If the leak is in the tile grout in the shower pan or around the base of the floor, replace the grout or seal up the cracks with caulk.

4. Apply a coat of masonry sealer to the shower pan, according to the manufacturer's directions. Allow to dry thoroughly. Apply a second coat of the sealer.

Tips & Warnings

• A portable fan directed at the shower pan can speed drying times significantly.
• Do not use the shower until the sealer has had at least 24 hours to dry.

References

• Repairing a shower leak