Shower door or enclosure leaking onto the bathroom floor
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Most likely cause & what to check
First identify where the water is escaping — run the shower and watch carefully. Common leak points are: the bottom door seal (sweep), the side seals between door and frame, the frame-to-wall silicone bead, or the door hinges.
If the leak is at the bottom: the door seal (bottom wiper or sweep) has worn flat and no longer bridges the gap between door and tray. Replacement seals are available for most enclosures (measure the door width and the profile shape — flat blade, twin wiper, or magnetic). They simply slide or clip into a channel on the door bottom.
If the leak is at the side seals: the magnetic strip or side wiper has shrunk or pulled away. These are also replaceable — source by measuring and checking the manufacturer (Matki, Lakes, Merlyn, Aqualux, etc.) — many sell spare seals directly.
If the leak is at the frame-to-wall junction: the silicone bead has cracked, shrunk, or developed mould. Use a Stanley knife and a silicone removal tool to cut out all old sealant cleanly. Dry thoroughly, then apply a continuous bead of sanitary silicone (use a white or clear mould-resistant type rated for wet areas). Run a wet finger along to smooth it. Leave 24 hours before using the shower.
If hinges are leaking: the screw holes may have corroded or the hinge plate silicone has failed. Re-seal around hinge plates with sanitary silicone and allow to cure.
Prevent future mould by leaving the shower door open after each use to allow the enclosure to dry, and re-seal the silicone bead every 2–3 years as part of routine bathroom maintenance.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I reseal a shower door without removing it?
Yes — resealing is a straightforward DIY task. Remove all old silicone with a silicone remover tool and acetone, allow to dry completely (24 hours), then apply a fresh bead of mould-resistant silicone sealant using a gun. Smooth with a wet finger. The door stays in place throughout.
What type of silicone should I use in a shower?
Use a mould-resistant, sanitary-grade silicone sealant specifically designed for bathrooms (Dow Corning, Geocel, UniBond Sealant, and Fernox all make suitable products). Avoid general-purpose silicone which lacks mould inhibitors and will turn black quickly in a wet environment.
Why does my shower door leak even with new seals?
Check the door alignment — hinged doors that sag at the bottom leave a gap at the top, and sliding doors with worn bottom rollers may not align with the side seals. Also check that the shower tray seal at the base of the glass is intact — water frequently tracks along the bottom of the glass before falling outside the tray.