Showers & tubs

Shower door leaking at the bottom seal

Water escaping under a shower door is usually a worn or missing door sweep or track seal, an easy and inexpensive part to replace.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
20–30 minutes
DIY cost
$10–$25
Pro cost
$100–$200

Symptoms

  • Puddle forms on the bathroom floor outside the shower
  • Leak happens mainly at the bottom corners
  • Rubber strip along the door bottom looks cracked or missing
  • Door closes fully but water still seeps under

Likely causes

  • CommonWorn or cracked door sweepThe rubber or vinyl strip along the bottom of the door degrades with age and hard water exposure.
  • PossibleTrack not sloped correctly toward the shower interiorIf the base track sits level or slopes outward, water will escape regardless of the sweep's condition.
  • PossibleGaps at the door's side seals or magnetic stripsVertical seals along the door edges can also wear out and let water through at the sides.
  • Less commonShower head aimed directly at the door gapEven a good seal can be overwhelmed if the spray hits the seam directly.

What to do

  1. Inspect the door sweep along the bottom edge for cracking, gaps, or missing sections.
  2. Measure the width of the door and purchase a replacement sweep sized to match.
  3. Remove the old sweep by sliding it off or peeling away old adhesive, cleaning the door edge afterward.
  4. Slide or press the new sweep into place, trimming to length with scissors or a utility knife if needed.
  5. Check the side seals and magnetic strips for damage and replace if cracked or no longer sealing.
  6. Adjust the shower head angle so the spray doesn't hit the door seam directly.
  7. Run the shower and check the floor outside after a few minutes to confirm the leak is resolved.

Tools and parts

  • Scissors or utility knife
  • Tape measure
Shower door bottom sweepSearch: “shower door sweep replacement seal”

When to call a pro

Call a glass shower door specialist if the track itself is not properly sloped, since that may require reinstalling the frame.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.