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Does your shower door keep sliding open?
You’re not alone! I know how annoying door problems can be, as they can ruin a nice warm shower.
But don’t worry; I’m here to help!
If your sliding shower door won’t stay closed, you’ll need to clean the door tracks, examine the rollers, or reposition the door. If you have a swinging shower, you may need to tighten the screws, apply new adhesive, and clean the hinges.
Are you ready to fix the problem? Let’s dive in!
Sliding Shower Door Not Closing Properly? 4 Fixes
Different reasons can explain why your shower door is not closing. But there’s no need to worry about it! Whether you have a sliding or swinging door, I’ll help you fix the issue.
In this section, I’ll focus on solving sliding shower door problems.
#1 Clean the Door Tracks
When I see a sliding shower door not closing properly, I always clean the door tracks.
You see, the tracks can accumulate a lot of dirt and dust that can block the door.
Try removing the visible debris from the tracks using tweezers, chopsticks, or toothpicks. Then, use vinegar.
Pour the vinegar into the tracks and leave it for 10 minutes.
If you notice that the vinegar drains away faster than usual, please block the weeping holes of the door, which are designed to let water escape from the tracks.
Once the vinegar soaks the entire track, move the door back and forth a few times and then rinse with water.
#2 Scrub the Tracks
If your shower door is still not closing, I recommend using a lubricating solution infused with minerals.
Coat the entire track with the solution, then use a stiff brush to scrub the whole area and remove all the grime.
If the dirt deposit is a little too stubborn and doesn’t get dislodged with a brush, try using something with a rigid edge to remove the dirt.
Don’t use a screwdriver or something sharp, as it can scratch the surface of your shower door.
#3 Examine the Door Rollers
I tend to find that when a sliding shower door won’t close, there’s typically an issue with the rollers. So, please check if they’re rolling properly or getting stuck after moving.
If you feel you have to put in a little more effort to close the door completely, the rollers are probably stuck. In such cases, you must remove the shower door from the tracks and clean the rollers with vinegar.
Keep in mind that if the rollers are free but don’t roll, the door can be out of level, not necessarily dirty. More often than not, the spindle on the roller rusts, so the roller can’t spin.
#4 Reposition the Door
If you tried the fixes above, but your shower door still won’t close the whole way, you’ll need to reposition the door and check for any visible blockages.
It’s worth mentioning that sliding doors can become misaligned over time, making it difficult to close them.
So, when you reposition the door, use a level and ensure it’s aligned so your shower door can open and close properly.
Fixing a Swinging Shower Door That Won’t Close Properly
If you have a swinging shower door in your bathroom, it can quickly succumb to wear and tear. Here are some steps you can take to fix the problem.
#1 Tighten the Screws
If you have swinging shower door problems, I recommend examining the screws and tightening them with a screwdriver.
If you notice that the screws don’t tighten properly, please remove them and drive longer screws into the frame attached to the wall (check if there’s anything behind it first).
If the issue persists, remove the framing then drill new holes into the wall and reattach the frame.
If you have a glass shower door, please be cautious and do not over tighten the screws to prevent accidents.
#2 Apply New Adhesive
I’ve seen that when swinging shower doors don’t close, it’s typically because their adhesive has gotten weaker over time, causing the door to get misaligned.
To solve the problem, remove the glue and sealant. I find that using rubbing alcohol can make the process much faster. However, if you have a fiberglass tub, be careful, as removing the adhesive can damage the tub.
Once the glue is removed, you can place the frame back with a new adhesive, using a level to ensure the door is plumb. Then use a sealant to seal all the edges properly.
#3 Clean the Hinges
If you still have shower door problems, you’ll need to check the hinges.
Often, the door hinges get dirty due to soap buildup, which causes them to make a strange sound while moving or keeps them from closing.
You can prepare a vinegar and water solution, dip a toothbrush then scrub the hinges properly.
How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Shower Door?
If you’re having shower door problems, I’m sure you’ve considered hiring someone to do the job.
However, it’s important you know how much money you can actually save by going the DIY route.
In my experience, calling someone to assess the problem alone can cost a few hundred dollars.
Once the problem has been identified, the technician will provide you with an estimate for the repairs, which can range anywhere between $200 and $600.
However, please keep in mind that if you’re unsure or feel uncomfortable fixing the shower door yourself, you’ll need to call a professional…better safe than sorry (especially with glass doors).
Wrapping Up: Fixing a Shower Door That Won’t Close
Hopefully, now you know how to fix your shower door problems.
Remember that if your sliding shower door won’t stay closed, you must clean the tracks, adjust the rollers, and check for proper alignment. But if you have a swinging door, it’s important to tighten the screws, apply new adhesive, or clean the hinges.
If you found this post helpful, please check out similar articles on our site.
Thanks a lot for reading, and have a great day!
-Craig
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