How long can these last without leaking? Do they have a limited lifespan? Mine is 15-20 years old I am guessing. I don't see any signs of any leaks, but I'm just wondering if there is something I can do to make this more leakproof as it gets older. I know that the tile and grout floor of the tile is NOT waterproof, which is why there is the pan underneath. Is there a sealant or something I can apply to the tile that would better waterproof or prevent water from seeping to the pan?
2006-12-18 07:46:10 · 5 answers · asked by TB28 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Most shower pans, when done correctly, will not ever fail under normal circumstances. Seeing as it has not in 20 years, I'd say yours is done well! There a few good sealers out there and it seems like they come out with new ones all the time. I personally prefer to use a tile shop for all my sealers. They generally run the same price as a hardware store and you will get the correct type for your surface. It's much easier to seal it once a year than having to regrout! That's for sure.
Good Luck!
2006-12-18 13:57:37 · answer #1 · answered by macncletus 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A shower pan will generally not develop a leak unless there is movement of the walls or floor it is installed on. If you are in an area with very little seismic activity, and the foundation of the house is in good shape, you won't have a problem. Using a sealer on the grout won't prevent leaking, but it will help keep the grout from deteriorating. You may also need to bleach the grout periodically, using a 50% solution in a spray bottle.
2006-12-19 02:36:24 · answer #2 · answered by Tech Dude 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry to say, but I don't know of anything of the sort to help you out. I've been installing tile on shower pans for about 7yrs. now and I've never heard of such a thing. The shower pans are usually framed and then they are waterproofed using either fiberglass, tar or a vinyl rubber. The shower pans are then water tested over night and then they are topped off with a "bed" of mud. Hope I could help.
2006-12-18 14:00:12 · answer #3 · answered by El Toro Malo 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Go to your local tile store and "ask" ...
There "is" a sealant that you can put down, and for the life of me, I cant remember it at this time...
It can be put down, once a year or once every two years, and you will have no worry about your "pan"...
I wish you well..
Jesse
2006-12-18 07:59:00 · answer #4 · answered by x 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes TB28, use silicone sealer for tiles. obtain that at your local hdwr store, home depot or Lowe's.
2006-12-18 07:53:53 · answer #5 · answered by ticketoride04 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋