A leaking shower is one of the most common building problems in Sydney homes and apartments. The fix can be anything from a few hours of resealing to stripping the whole shower back to the slab. Choosing the right one starts with working out where the water is going.
Common causes
- Cracked or porous grout letting water under the tiles.
- Failed silicone at internal corners, the floor junction or around the screen.
- A failed or missing membrane under the tiles.
- Leaking taps, mixers or waste pipes inside the wall or floor.
- Poor falls so water sits on the floor instead of draining.
Signs to look for
- Swollen skirting or door frames near the bathroom.
- Stains or mould on the ceiling below.
- Loose or drummy tiles in the shower base.
- Grout that stays dark long after showering.
Repair options
1. Regrout and reseal
Old grout and silicone are removed and replaced. This works when the membrane is intact and water is only getting in at the surface.
2. Sealer and injection products
Some systems seal grout or inject into the tile bed. They can help in limited cases but do not replace a failed membrane, so results vary.
3. Strip and re-waterproof
Tiles and bedding are removed, the substrate repaired, a new membrane installed to AS 3740, then re-tiled. This is the permanent fix when the membrane has failed.
4. Plumbing repair
If a leak test points to plumbing, a licensed plumber repairs the pipework, often with tiles opened up and then made good.
Do not ignore it
Water under shower tiles rots timber framing, damages walls and floors and causes mould. In apartments it often leaks into the unit below. See water leaking from the unit above.
Strata apartments
In many NSW strata schemes, original bathroom waterproofing is common property, so the owners corporation may be responsible for repairs. Check your by-laws and talk to your strata manager.
Leaking shower repairs in Sydney
We find the cause, then recommend the repair that will actually last. See our waterproofing service or call 0415 840 500.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my shower membrane has failed?
Signs include swollen skirting or door frames, stains on the ceiling below, loose tiles and leaks that return after regrouting.
Can a leaking shower be fixed without removing tiles?
If only the grout or silicone has failed, yes. If the membrane has failed, the tiles usually need to come up.
Who pays for a leaking shower in a strata unit?
It depends on your scheme. Original bathroom waterproofing is often common property in NSW, but check your by-laws and strata manager.
