One of the more frequent shower repair problems is caused by the shower pan no longer holding water. In these instances, a simple overlay is usually performed to level the shower pan and help the water flow properly. After the shower pan repairs are performed, a new fiberglass liner is applied to the shower ceiling. This will help the pan and shower meet in terms of design and installation, and if you have a fiberglass shower, it can last 20 years or longer without replacement.
Other common plumbing issues that can lead to shower repair include the problem of broken shower fixtures. In this instance, a threaded type of the plug may have been used on the drain to prevent the water from flooding the shower, but the plug has become loose and the drain no longer seals the base of the fixture. In these cases, the pipes in the shower are threaded, and the threads are pulled loose by the pressure of the water. Shower repairs for this type of problem usually involve changing the drain plug or replacing the fixture. Some plumbers recommend using cast iron plugs to keep the drains open, but many plumbers prefer to use fiberglass. Fiberglass drains require more attention to detail and make sure they are installed properly.
In older homes, often the tub and shower plumbing will be somewhat dated. Older tubs and showers may not have a high enough drain line, and they may not have been designed to handle larger showers with more head space. In such cases, a simple shower repair becomes necessary. Most often, the homeowner will notice that the “flowers” of the tub no longer work as they should, or the spray nozzles no longer spray water to the right areas of the body. When this occurs, a plumber with a good deal of experience in bathroom plumbing can usually perform the job for you.