A proper test is conducted by temporarily plugging the drain below the weep holes using a flexible rubber ball and filling the shower with water.
ANSWER - Having wet grout around the drain does suggest that the weep holes at the waterproof membrane level might be plugged.
To find these leaks, I simply point the shower head at the corner of the wall and door intersection, turn the shower on, and let it go until it leaks. If the door doesn't leak right away, I leave the shower on for a few minutes, inspect a different room, and come back again.
Shower leaks can commonly occur in the joint between the shower tray and the walls.
The plumber attaches a water pressure gauge to a faucet or fixture connection, turns the fixture on to pressurize the gauge, and turns the water meter off to observe the gauge pressure. If the gauge's pressure decreases, there's likely a leak in the system.
To test if the drain is the source of the leak, plug the drain and fill the shower with a few inches of water. Let it sit for at least five minutes, then check for any signs of water leaking out.
Designed for shower head and tub spout installations. Plug seals the system for pressure testing and is left in place until drywall or tile can be installed. Test plug should be removed prior to installing shower kit.
To head off costly repairs, follow these maintenance tips: Check weep holes at least once a year, before the rainiest season. If they're clogged, open them up with a brush, a screwdriver or a toothpick.
Method 1 - Remove Build-up
Find the weep holes by unscrewing the plug hole/top part of the drain hole. Look inside and you will see small holes around the outside of the main pipe. Stick a piece of thin wire through the holes if you see a white, crusty build-up.
Over time, weep holes can become clogged with vegetation or algae growth, reducing their effectiveness. If the weep holes outfall above ground level, they can be unsightly, particularly after many years of water staining or algae growth on the wall face.
This research demonstrated that even under truly extraordinary conditions water rarely enters the weephole and even if it does it cannot be blown high enough up in the cavity to create internal damp problems. To understand why, it's important to look at the details of a correctly constructed cavity wall.
The Weep Vent should be spaced at no greater than 900mm centres to meet N.H.B.C guidelines, which state, “weep holes are recommended to be sited at every 450mm maximum with at least two per opening above all windows and doors.”
Prior to floating my pan mortar, I remove the strainer from the drain collar and lightly coat the collar and the adjacent pan material with 3M spray adhesive. Then I unfold a paper coffee filter, place it over the collar and mold it into position so that the weep holes are protected.
The most common cause of leaking showers is building movement, causing the weakening and cracking of grout, and damaging the waterproof membrane under the tiles. This usually occurs between the floor and wall joints of the shower recess.
Functionality: Whether tile insert drains contain weep holes depends on the specific design and intended use. Some models include weep holes to enhance water management, especially in settings where the tile insert is flush with the shower floor, making subsurface water drainage a priority.
Using thermal imaging cameras is an effective way to look at large areas quickly, and causes minimum disruption and no damage to your property. Infrared inspection cameras can not only detect hidden water leaks and their origin, but they can also detect moisture that cannot be physically reached with moisture meters.
GENERAL PROCEDURE: A test ball, usually a billiard ball, shall be placed at the high end of the pipe, and allowed to roll through the pipe to the low end of the pipe. If there are not obstructions and the pipe is graded correctly, it shall be caught and removed. The piping then passes the ball test.
Spray test and sniffing leak detection are the two most common leak detection tests that use the tracer gas helium or hydrogen. The spray test is the ideal test method for components under vacuum. This measurement principle has the highest sensitivity of all available methods.
Turn on the Shower
Be that as it may, being able to watch the valve and surrounding piping while the water is on is the true test to see if your shower leaks behind the wall. While it is running look for signs of water leaking. If you feel water trickling down the sides of the pipes, you have found your source.
A standard homeowners insurance policy typically covers some costs associated with water leaks. Coverage is limited to sudden accidental events, such as an abrupt plumbing-related water leak.