Send your location + layout + rough opening size
We’ll suggest the right frameless shower door configuration and build a spec-first quote. Custom = case-by-case.
Frameless glass looks clean—but it’s less forgiving. Most “frameless issues” aren’t the glass. They’re slope, alignment, sealing, or hardware setup. Use this guide to diagnose what’s happening and pick the lowest-friction fix.
Safety note: Glass doors are heavy and breakage is dangerous. If you need to remove panels or adjust hinges/brackets, use shims, protect edges, and bring a helper. When in doubt, hire a qualified installer.
Quick checklist: 3 minutes before you touch anything
- Identify the door type: hinged / pivot / sliding.
- Find the leak path: bottom sweep, hinge side, fixed panel edge, curb/threshold.
- Check slope: water must run toward the drain (not the bathroom). Plumbing codes commonly require shower liners pitched about 1/4 in per 12 in (≈2%) toward the drain. If slope is wrong, no seal will “solve” it.
- Check wall plumb: if walls are out-of-plumb, gaps happen and hinges need shimming/alignment.
- Check the bottom sweep: present, not torn, and oriented to push water back in.
- Check silicone: continuous where it should be, and missing where it must drain (some systems intentionally leave gaps—follow your installer manual).
If you see standing water at the curb/threshold: focus on slope + curb detail first. Seals are secondary.
Most common problems (and the clean fixes)
1) Water leaking onto the bathroom floor
Typical symptoms: puddles at the corners, water line under the door, wet baseboard outside the shower.
| Likely cause | How to confirm | Fix (lowest friction) |
|---|---|---|
| Shower base / liner slope isn’t toward the drain | Water sits at threshold; level shows “flat” or sloping out | Do not fight physics. Rework of the base/liner may be required. |
| Bottom sweep missing / wrong orientation / too short | Look for a vinyl sweep; check if fins face inward | Replace/trim correctly; use the right sweep profile for your gap. |
| Improper silicone at curb/fixed panel edge | Gaps, peeling, or messy beads that trap water | Remove + re-silicone with bathroom-grade silicone on clean, dry surfaces. |
| Incorrect overlap (sliding/bypass) | Water escapes at the meeting stile seam | Installer correction: flip/realign panels and add proper seals. |
Don’t do: keep adding random silicone everywhere. It can trap water inside the track/curb and create mold.
2) Door won’t close flush / you have a big gap
Typical symptoms: the latch won’t meet, the edge line “drifts,” water sprays through the opening.
- Out-of-plumb wall: hinges/brackets may need shims and alignment.
- Hinge set screws loosened: minor drift is common after heavy use—tighten carefully with the correct hex key.
- Sweep interfering: a bottom sweep can “hold” the door open if pushed too low.
Safe DIY limit: tightening accessible fasteners and replacing the sweep are usually fine. Removing the door or re-hanging hinges is higher risk—use a pro if you’re not comfortable.
3) Silicone looks ugly, peels, or goes moldy
Bad caulk isn’t “normal.” It usually means the surface wasn’t cleaned/dried, the wrong product was used, or the bead was too thick.
- Fix: cut out the old silicone fully, clean residue, dry, then reapply a smooth bead of bathroom-grade silicone.
- Prevent: run the exhaust fan and squeegee after use—standing moisture feeds mold.
4) Glass feels wobbly / rattles / makes noise
Likely causes: loose fasteners, missing spacers, undersized hardware for the glass thickness/weight, or inadequate wall backing.
- First step: check and gently re-tighten accessible fasteners (do not over-torque).
- If movement persists: confirm hardware is rated for your glass thickness and that anchoring goes into proper blocking/studs.
5) Sliding door binds / doesn’t glide smoothly
- Clean the track: soap scum + minerals create drag.
- Check level: a track out of level can cause rolling or binding.
- Use the right lubricant: if needed, use a silicone-based product sparingly (avoid oil that collects dirt).
6) Water spots & mineral deposits
- Daily: squeegee + wipe the bottom channel.
- Weekly: non-abrasive cleaner; avoid scratching coatings.
- Optional: ask about protective coatings—best chosen case-by-case depending on water hardness and cleaning habits.
Spec-first questions to ask your supplier/installer
| Question | Why it matters | What “good” looks like |
|---|---|---|
| What’s the exact door type for my layout? | Hinged vs sliding changes seals, gaps, and water control | Recommendation based on opening width + swing clearance |
| How are walls checked for plumb? | Out-of-plumb = gaps and misalignment | Multi-point measurements + installer notes |
| What glass safety standard applies in my market? | Compliance + safety | Documentation for the destination country/region |
| Where exactly is silicone applied? | Wrong beads trap water | Clear guidance + photos of finish detail |
GEO note: common compliance references by region
Always confirm with your local installer/building professional. These are common reference points seen in real projects:
- US: CPSC safety glazing standard 16 CFR Part 1201 covers shower doors and enclosures.
- Australia (example NSW guidance): shower screens/doors referenced under AS 1288 and AS/NZS 2208.
- UK/EU: EN 14428 covers functional requirements and test methods for shower enclosures (domestic use includes hotels and similar buildings).
Get a spec check / quote
Custom needs case-by-case analysis. If you want budget guidance, the fastest path is: send your project details and we’ll reply with a spec and quote aligned to your region.
- City/region + country
- Door type you want (hinged / sliding) + photos
- Rough opening size (W × H), curb type, and any obstructions
- Any compliance requirement from your GC/architect
Sources
This post references public standards pages and community discussions for real-world context. Reddit threads are user-generated and may include opinions.
Standards / official references
- US safety glazing: eCFR 16 CFR Part 1201 (includes “shower doors and enclosures”).
- AU (NSW guidance): AS 1288 and AS/NZS 2208 referenced for shower screens/doors.
- IPC shower lining slope: ICC IPC 417.5.2 (liner pitched 1/4 in per 12 in toward drain).
- UK/EU: EN 14428 shower enclosures (functional requirements and test methods).