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Sealing around the pipes when replacing an electric shower

  • 08-11-2021 2:54pm
    #1
    3rdDegree
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,269 ✭✭✭


    We had our electric shower replaced. It is in a standard shower cubicle. The old shower was sealed all around it as it flush to the tiles; which I'm told may not be the correct thing to do as it can block ventilation and void the shower warranty. The new shower is also flush to the wall and the pipes are behind it. Since the new until has no sealant around it, I thought it would be necessary to seal around the pipes as they come out from the wall/tiles into the back of the shower. This would stop any water that may run down the back wall of the cubicle leaking behind the tiles. But the installer didn't do this and when I asked why not, he said:

    If you had subway tiles then this should be done. With flat tiles water doesn't run down between the shower & tile. There should be little more than splashes. Anyway, Electric showers aren't waterproof. They are water resistant. You never run water on the shower itself. Water can get into the shower and cause the fuse to trip downstairs.

    Despite the fact that we shouldn't be spraying water directly onto the shower unit itself, should he have sealed around the pipes in case some water does manage to get down behind the unit? Or is it really unnecessary to seal the pipes like he says? What is the normal practice?

    Many thanks.



Comments

  • #2
    listermint
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 34,216 ✭✭✭✭listermint


    You should never ever silicone around the shower unit.

    The shower unit should be at a height where it is not on the waters path.

    The head should be facing you. Meaning water should not be getting into or on the unit.



  • #3
    3rdDegree
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,269 ✭✭✭3rdDegree


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118136743#Comment_118136743


    Thanks for the quite reply. That is indeed what the installer said also, but I guess water can always splash and possible run down the wall behind the unit, and I was wondering if it standard practice to seal around the pipes where they come out from the wall?

    Also, in lieu of not sealing around the pipes, would running a small bit of silicone across the top of the shower (making sure to not go near the sides and bottom) cause any issues in terms of ventilation?

    Many thanks



  • #4
    listermint
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 34,216 ✭✭✭✭listermint


    It's not normal to seal it no. Install should have mitigated direct water on the unit. Splash should be remote possibility.



  • #5
    Sleeper12
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,189 ✭✭✭✭Sleeper12


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058217002/sealing-around-the-pipes-when-replacing-an-electric-shower

    Original installer didn't know what they were doing by the sounds of it.


    New installer 100% correct



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