Last updated: 16 March 2026
If your shower screen is leaking at the hinge, don't worry — you're not alone. This is easily the most common (and proper annoying) leak we see in frameless showers.
The good news? You don't need a whole new screen. A high-quality shower screen seal will usually do the trick!
In this tutorial, we’ll show you a simple DIY fix to stop the leak for good. Let's get stuck in!
Confirm Your Hinged Leak Type
Leaky hinges usually fall into two camps, and each requires a different fix:
| Leak Type | Location | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom Corner Leak | Base of the door, near the bottom hinge. | Install a Threshold Strip. |
| Vertical Side Leak | Along the vertical glass edge by the hinge gap. | Trim and fit an H-Type Seal. |
I. Type One: Bottom Hinge & Corner Leak
This is the most frequent culprit when homeowners ask how to stop a shower screen leaking at the hinge. It usually happens when the bottom seal leaves a tiny, vulnerable gap right where the glass meets the hinge fitting.
While it looks like a major issue, the solution is often simpler than you think. A threshold strip is frequently the "missing piece" needed to divert water back into the tray. Even if your door isn't faulty, adding this secondary barrier is a proven way to stop shower screen leaks at the hinge corner for good.
Pro Tip: Check out our definitive guide on how to stop water escaping from the corner.
The "Pivot Hinge" Obstruction
Is your pivot hinge blocking the seal like the photo below? When the door axis gets in the way, a standard seal can't cover the gap properly.
The Solution: You'll need to custom-trim the seal to "wrap" around the hinge. Since this intricate trimming process can be tricky, we've filmed a dedicated video guide to help you get a water-tight finish.
Need a hand? Feel free to message SIMBA if you're stuck!
II. Type Two: Vertical Side Hinge Leak
If you're wondering how to stop a shower screen leaking at the hinge along the vertical edge, the answer is a custom-trimmed H-type seal strip. This profile is specifically designed to block water escaping through the side gaps where the glass meets the wall or another panel.
Essential Tools
- Marker pen & Measuring tape
- H-shape seal (Pick the one that matches your glass)
- Sharp garden pruning shears
Quick Note: Selecting the right geometry is vital; a mismatch can lead to "ghost leaks" that quietly rot your skirting boards. If you're unsure which profile fits your enclosure, explore our Comprehensive Guide to Vertical Shower Seal Types & Profiles, where we break down the science of 180° H-seals and sliding F-seals to help you fix a leaking shower door hinge professionally.
Critical Advice: You must use an H-type—other shapes usually can't clear the hinge mechanism due to their profile geometry, making it the only reliable way to stop water spraying through shower hinges.
Visual Step-by-Step
Prefer to watch? Here’s exactly how to tackle that vertical hinge leak and achieve a watertight finish:
Measurement & Fitting
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Sectioning: If you have two hinges, cut the seal into three sections to fill the gaps between the hinge plates. This is a key step in sealing a shower screen at the hinges.
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Installation: Press the trimmed sections firmly onto the glass. Crucial: Ensure the flexible long fin points inwards to block the water flow. Job done!
Whether you have an Aqualux, Coram, or Victoria Plum enclosure, these trimming techniques work for almost all frameless hinges.
Before you begin, make sure you're tackling the leaks in the right order. We've explained why it matters in our guide: [Vertical vs Horizontal seals: Which one to install first?]
Trade Secrets for a Perfect Fit
Before you snap the seal into place, double-check that you aren't making these 11 common installation blunders that lead to early failure.
- Sizing: Choose a seal slightly thicker than your glass (e.g., a 6-8mm seal for 6mm glass) for better coverage. This extra snugness is a great tip for preventing shower screen hinge leaks.
- Warmth: If the seal is stiff, soak it in warm water (under 70°C) to make it more pliable for easy snapping.
🛑 Professional Warning: Avoid using soapy water or oils! They act as a food source for mould and bacteria, which can compromise how you maintain a leak-free shower hinge in the long run.
FAQ: Frameless Hinge Leaks
How do I stop water leaking through the shower door hinges? +
The Solution: The "Continuous Run" Trimming Technique
Water escaping through hinges usually happens because the vertical seal is cut into separate chunks, leaving the metal exposed. To achieve a 100% watertight finish, you need to "notch" the profile so it passes behind or around the hardware.
- Measure the Notch: Mark the height and depth of the hinge on the PVC casing.
- Remove the Fin, Keep the Spine: Do not cut the seal in half. Shave away only the "soft fin" and part of the U-channel so the rigid "spine" of the seal can run continuously past the hinge.
Do all H-type seals work for hinges? +
What if my setup is unique? +
Ready to Fix That Leak?
Stop the splashback and keep your floor dry for a fraction of the cost of a new door.
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