Any ideas on how to fix a tub with a 3-piece surround shower that’s causing a slight drip and paint to bubble?
Asked by Ahmet Kaya 
4 months ago
Last Updated: July 26, 2024
Hey everyone, quick question for you. So, I have this tub with a 3-piece surround shower situation going on. When I first noticed some water seepage to the side, I caulked the seams, but the problem didn’t go away. It’s just a small drip, but it’s causing the paint to bubble. I removed the caulk, ground it out, and spackled to test, but the issue remains. Any ideas on what could be causing this? Just to clarify, I didn’t install the tub myself, it came with the house. Thanks in advance.
When you place the level on the tub, is it tilted towards the leak? There is a groove where the wall connects to the base that doesn’t require silicone. However, if the tub is sloped incorrectly, the water might leak from there instead of the corner.
Acknowledged the good point and had not considered that possibility. If the slope leads to that crack, any suggestions on how to proceed?
Recommended applying silicone along the entire seam. While usually not necessary, if the slope is incorrect, water could be entering from there.
Mentioned that he had already tried that but was still experiencing water there.
Are you certain the water isn’t coming from above the corner guard on the side?
Oh , I actually added that corner after the issue started. It’s a shame it was already happening before.
Hey , keep an eye on your partner as they shower. Let’s figure out where the water is coming from! 😜
Haha, also attempted that with no luck. It’s really strange – there are no obvious signs, but that little corner remains damp.
You might want to consider having ceramic tiles running along the wall from floor to ceiling, topped with a bullnose for a seamless look. Be sure to use grout and 100% silicone to seal the area between the plastic surround and the new bullnose tile.
That happens a lot. Sloping is a problem for sure. A good long-term and inexpensive solution is to replace the shower head and apply a generous amount of caulk to the shower enclosure.
Make sure to seal the shower valve cover and tub spout.
Has them sealed.
There might be a small leak at the top, hidden behind the wall where the pipe comes out for the showerhead.
But wouldn’t there be water visible at the bottom of the tub too?
You know, water can be quite unpredictable sometimes. I once noticed a small pinhole forming in a pipe, leaking onto the back of the side panel, flowing down to where it meets the tub, and then seeping out in the same spot.
So, you mentioned that you sealed the shower with caulk when you installed it next to the tub, right? But in the photo showing the shower door frame, it seems like water might seep in underneath or behind it, depending on how you look at it. That could be where the water is leaking from.
I’m sorry, but that’s actually not a door – it’s a splash guard. However, it doesn’t seem to be effectively doing its job.
‘t forget to make sure the shower curtain is properly sealed while showering.
If you only take baths and use your handheld shower, sit in the tub and bathe with the handheld. Do this for a few days and check if the corner remains wet. If it does, then your shower head is leaking behind the wall. If it stays dry, then it’s the seal between your tub and shower enclosure. Both scenarios will require some work to fix.
That sounds like a good idea. Thanks!
Apply Teflon tape to all connections
It appears you missed caulking the vertical edge of your corner splash guards.
It’s tough to see but it has been filled in. It began before my splash guard.
Is the shower curtain not giving full coverage? Does it shift and create gaps along the edge?
Mentioned that they have tested it with nobody inside and the shower curtain pushed all the way against it. It is clear that the issue is not related to the shower curtain.
Is just quickly going over the basics, okay?
What can be found behind the plumbing on the opposite side of the wall?
Noticed there is no plumbing on the opposite side of the kitchen wall.
Has made a small cut in the kitchen wall behind the plumbing, going from the middle of one stud to the middle of the other. It’s important to check the plumbing joints for leaks, shine a flashlight on the bottom 2×4 (sill plate) for any moisture, turn on the tub faucets all the way and watch for drips, turn on the shower to check for drips, and even tug on the hose of the shower head to see if there are any issues. Water may run down the long pipe from the length or top, so pay attention to that. Spray some water at the escutcheon plate that surrounds the water control lever. Even if no leaks are found, it’s a good idea to close the wall hole by adding a little door and frame with trim around it. Eventually, the plumbing will need attention. This method provides easy access and saves you from having to patch sheetrock. Since it’s an acrylic tub, inspect it for any small cracks. Water at floor level can seep up the sheetrock, so ensure the corner doesn’t stay wet when you’re done. Finally, double-check that the toilet isn’t leaking from a crack at the base or around the wax ring, as water can also wick up there. Good luck.
I got one of those installed. The areas where the top and bottom meet are not sealed. The only area that should be sealed is the ends, where the leakage is visible. The sealant should be further inside, where it is not visible. It is meant to direct the water into the tub as it moves towards the front.
I put this in a rental unit and it works really well. I had to shape the bottom corner into a rounded curve to fit the shower surround properly, but once that was done, it fit tightly. I also caulked both sides for added protection.
I know this might sound repetitive, but have you allowed the caulk to dry for a few days before using the shower? The pressure from your weight and the water could break the seal if it’s not fully set.
These joints are usually left uncaulked. The issue might be that the tub is not level and is leaning in that direction. Have you checked if there is a splash guard between the tub and wall? If there is, seal that gap with caulk. Make sure to caulk all the horizontal and vertical joints as well. Push the silicone caulk deep into the cracks, including the handle trim and where it meets the wall. Water seems to be reaching the weep flanges and running towards the damaged drywall.