What causes shower doors to sag or drop?
If you noticed that you shower door is sagging, dropping, or not closing properly then there are a few reasons as to why this might be happening, such as:
Lack of self-maintenance
Like most things you buy; they require maintenance from time to time to ensure optimal performance. For example, if you buy a vehicle you will need to service regularly, if you don’t eventually it will stop working. A shower is no different. It is crucial that you do some self-maintenance of your shower door glass, by tightening the shower doors screws every so often, because these can get loose overtime with constant use. A simple, yet very effective solution to prevent your shower door from sagging.
Loose Hinges
If the hinges holding your shower door in place are loose, this could cause the door to drop. Over time, with the constant wear and tear, the screws that hold the hinges in place may become loose or worn, causing your shower door to drop.
Worn Out Rollers
This happens when sliding shower doors have their rollers worn out over time from the opening and closing motion.
Damaged Door Frame
The shower door frame can become damaged due to exposure to moisture, which can cause the door to drop or become misaligned.
Heavy or Excessive Use
If the shower door is used frequently or with excessive force, it may cause the hinges or frame to become worn down, leading to dropping.
Age
Over time, all materials can weaken or become damaged, including the hardware and materials used in shower doors. As a result, an older shower door may be more prone to dropping or breaking.
Uneven Flooring
If your bathroom floor is not levelled, it can cause your shower door to drop. That happens because if a shower door is not aligned with the floor, then it puts extra stress on the hinges, causing them to sag.
Improper Installation
If your shower door was not installed correctly in the first place, this could also be a cause of it dropping. If the door was not aligned properly or the hinges were not installed correctly, this could cause the door to sag and eventually drop.
While the last two reasons seem a bit scary, there is no need to panic! In most cases, repairing a shower door is a quick and easy fix, that you can do yourself. With that in mind, we have put together tips on How to Repair your Shower Door, just click on the one that is relevant to you:
How to repair a Sliding Shower Door
If you got a sliding shower door at home, then here are some of the tips on how you can repair it:
Clean the track
It seems silly but ensuring that your shower track is regularly cleaned is very important for your sliding door. This is because soap scum, grime, and dirt can accumulate overtime in the track, preventing your sliding door to run freely. There are several types of sliding shower tracks, and these can be tricky to get into, we recommend you use a toothbrush or a small brush, a mild detergent and warm water to remove any build up. A weekly clean-up of your shower tracks should be sufficient for your sliding doors to keep working well for many years to come.
Adjust the rollers
The rollers on the bottom of the sliding shower glass door can become worn out over time, causing the door to stick, or become difficult to move. To adjust the rollers, remove the door from the track and locate the adjustment screw on the bottom of the roller bracket. Use a screwdriver to turn the adjustment screw until the door slides smoothly.
Replace the rollers
If adjusting the rollers doesn’t fix the problem, you may want to check our shower parts for a replacement. To ensure you buy the right roller replacement part for your shower door, make sure to check for the diameter of the wheel, the whole size of the shower glass/panel, as well as the thickness of the glass. Replace the old ones with the new rollers, making sure they are aligned properly.
Expert Tip: Remember that the rollers are attached to the glass door, and for that reason you will need to be careful to remove them, so that you don't crack or chip your glass. If you are not comfortable to do it yourself, then call a professional to do the repair for you.
Lubricate the track
Finally, after cleaning, adjusting, or replacing the rollers, you can lubricate the track to keep the door sliding smoothly. Apply a small amount of silicone lubricant or WD-40 to the track, wiping away any excess with a clean cloth. By following these simple steps, you should be able to repair your sliding shower glass door and ensure that it slides smoothly and easily!
Repairing a pivot glass shower door will depend on the specific issue you are facing. Here are some general steps you can follow:
How to repair a Pivot Shower Door
Identify the problem
Determine what is causing the issue with the door. Common problems include misaligned door, broken hardware, and cracked glass.
Align your shower door
To do this, first remove the pivot cover of your shower door. Loose or tighten the screws that hold up the pivot support rod accordingly to check if your door aligns.
Replace the hardware
If the hardware is broken, replace it with new hardware. Make sure to purchase hardware that is designed for your specific shower door. You can check our shower parts here.
Replace the glass
If the glass is cracked or broken, you will need to replace it. This is a job best left to professionals, as it can be dangerous to handle broken glass. In any case, make sure to follow proper safety precautions when working with glass, wear gloves and protective eyewear, and consider seeking professional help if you are not comfortable with the repair process.
How to repair a Hinged Shower Door
If you have got a hinged shower door at home, here are some of the issues and possible solutions to repair it:
Loose Hinges
If your shower door is wobbly or has loose hinges, you may need to tighten the screws. Start by checking the screws that hold the hinges to the wall and tightening them with a screwdriver. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the screws with longer ones or use anchors to secure them more firmly.
Sticking or Dragging Door
If your shower door is sticking or dragging along the bottom, it may be due to dirt or debris build up in the track. Clean the track thoroughly using a toothbrush or similar tool, and then apply a lubricant like WD-40 to help the door glide smoothly.
Broken Glass
If your shower door is sticking or dragging along the bottom, it may be due to dirt or debris build up in the track. Clean the track thoroughly using a toothbrush or similar tool, and then apply a lubricant like WD-40 to help the door glide smoothly.
Leaking Door
If your shower door is “leaking”, it may be due to a faulty seal or gasket. Check the seals around the door for any signs of wear or damage and replace them if necessary. Read our article on ‘How to Choose a Shower Seal in 5 Steps’ so you can buy the correct replacement for your shower. These tips should get your shower door fixed in no time!
In Conclusion
To sum up, fixing a shower door should not be too difficult, but ultimately, you need to feel comfortable to perform the repair it yourself. In case you are not, or the problem seems to complex to tackle, then we recommend you contact a shower door repair specialist to do the job.
