How to Keep Water From Leaking Outside a Shower Curtain

A leaky shower curtain can annoying. A wet bathroom floor is unpleasant to look at and dangerous to walk on; plus excess water in a bathroom can create issues with mold and mildew. Luckily, there are a few different things you can try if you're wondering how to keep water from leaking outside a shower curtain.

The first thing to take into account if you're struggling with a leaky shower curtain is its placement. You need to make sure your curtain is pulled fully to the end of your tub to prevent splashes from escaping it. You also want to tuck your shower curtain inside your bath. This can stop any drips that fall down your curtain from ending up on your bathroom floor.

A shower liner can be a great way to boost the waterproofing of your shower curtain. Liners are typically made of vinyl, nylon or polyester, which are more water repellent than a fabric shower curtain. You can install a liner on the inside of your shower curtain to add a double layer of protection from the shower water.

When using a liner, make sure both your curtain and liner are fully extended to the end of the tub. You then want to make sure your liner is inside the tub, while the curtain is outside. This will help keep the water from even touching your shower curtain, ensuring it's impossible for it to leak onto your bathroom floor.

If you want to further boost protection from leaks in your shower, adding suction cups can help. These can be glued to the bottom of your liner and then pushed into place on the side of your bath before you start showering. The water from your shower will help hold them in place. Suction cups will help hold the liner in place and prevent it from moving and allowing water to leak outside.

Installing a splash guard can be another extra way of keeping your shower as waterproof as possible. These are L-shaped plastic pieces that can be attached in the corners of your tub to reinforce this area.

Before installing a splash guard, make sure your shower is clean and dry. Use a mild soap and water to clean the area; then dry thoroughly with a towel. This will help the splash guard stick in place. They tend to be peel-and-stick, but you can make a splash guard even stronger by adding caulk around their edges. You can then recaulk these areas anytime you start to see potential gaps.

It sounds simple, but one of the best ways to prevent water from escaping from your shower is by making sure the shower isn't pointed in that direction. Keep your shower head aimed downward and slightly inward, rather than toward your shower curtain. Getting into a habit of checking the direction of your shower flow each time you turn it on can help minimize the potential of any future leaks.