Why is my shower door leaking?
Water outside a shower enclosure often comes from a worn door seal, poor alignment or spray hitting a vulnerable joint. Finding exactly where the first drop appears is more useful than adding silicone everywhere.
Where is the water escaping?
Dry the tray, glass and floor, then run the shower while watching from outside. Check the bottom of the door, the closing edge, wall channels and the corners where the enclosure meets the tray. A small piece of dry tissue placed near each area can help reveal the first wet point.
Do not assume water beside the enclosure came through the door. It can travel along the tray edge or frame before dripping somewhere else. If water appears below the tray, through a ceiling or around the waste, stop using the shower until the leak is investigated.
Could the door seal be worn?
Clear plastic seals along the bottom and sides can split, harden, become distorted or collect limescale. A bottom seal also needs to face the correct way so its fin guides water back into the tray. If it no longer touches the tray evenly, replacement may be needed.
Use a seal made for the glass thickness and the gap it needs to close. An oversized seal can stop the door shutting properly, while an undersized one leaves a route for water. Avoid gluing a removable seal in place unless the enclosure manufacturer specifies it.
Does the shower door need adjusting?
Hinges, rollers or wall profiles can move over time. A door that has dropped may leave an uneven gap, rub on the tray or fail to meet its magnetic seal. Sliding-door tracks also need their drainage holes clear so water can return to the tray.
Some enclosures can be adjusted, but heavy glass must be supported correctly. Do not loosen hinges or rollers unless you have the manufacturer's instructions and can handle the glass safely. A fitter can realign the enclosure and check that it remains secure.
Can the shower head cause a leak?
A powerful spray aimed directly at the door gap, hinge or opening can overwhelm a seal that copes during normal use. Reposition the shower head and check that it cannot swivel towards the opening. Water bouncing off a person or shelf can have the same effect.
Also check whether the tray is draining quickly and staying level. If water pools near the entrance, the issue may involve a blocked waste, insufficient fall or tray movement rather than the door alone.
Quick shower-door leak checklist
- Dry everything and locate the first wet point.
- Inspect seals for splits, distortion and limescale.
- Check the door closes squarely without rubbing.
- Keep sliding-track drainage holes clear.
- Aim the shower spray away from gaps and hinges.
- Get help if the tray moves or water appears below it.