If, after taking a shower, you find water in the basement or on the floor below, it might not be a plumbing leak. Sometimes water running down the shower wall finds its way around, into and behind faucet handles and the spout and appears as a leak in the basement or floor below the shower. To find and fix this type of non-plumbing leak, remove the handles and escutcheons (the trim) and seal the space between the valve stems and tile with plumbers putty or silicone caulk. Then replace the escutcheons and handles. The same 'seal' process should be done to the spout. If any fixture or trim is reluctant, don't force it with a regular wrench or pliers. Use a strap wrench instead, and cover all highly polished surfaces with tape or a rag first to prevent scratches.
Steps to remove leakage from Shower Door
1. Remove the screws holding the metal bar of the old shower seal strip in place. If they're stuck, squirt them with a little penetrating oil to loosen. Discard the old rubber strip.
2. Thoroughly clean the door using a bleach solution and an old toothbrush. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.
3. Scrape away any corrosion using a painter's tool to get the area as smooth as possible. Finish by wiping down the area with a towel.
4. Place the new rubber strip on a piece of plywood, line up the metal bar on the strip and punch holes in the rubber strip using a hammer and a nail.
5. Insert screws through the metal bar and rubber strip. Cut the excess length of rubber strength off with scissors then peel away backing to expose the adhesive.
6. Replace the strip and tighten screws to secure to the bottom of the shower door. Run a bead of silicone sealant across to top to ensure a watertight seal.
7. Pry away water-damaged trim. Clean mildew using bleach solution and toothbrush.

8. Cut new piece of molding to fit in place. Before attaching molding, wait a couple of days to make sure mildew does not reappear.


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Cryste Wisne has been in the California Custom Showers Business for the past 10 years. She has used her vast experience as a Contractor in the design, installation, and implementation of custom showers in California.