A family in Pakenham, VIC called us after noticing ceiling stains and mould beneath the main bathroom, plus loose grout outside the shower. Because the main bathroom shower was leaking and unusable, the entire family had to share the ensuite. Our Professional Diagnostic Inspection uncovered serious non-compliance and concealed water damage that regrouting could never fix. (Job #18172 • 27 August 2025)
• Stains and mould on the ceiling below the bathroom
• Water damage visible around the main bathroom
• Loose grout on bathroom floor tiles outside the shower
• High moisture readings in wall linings
• Incorrectly sized shower base for the application
• Non-compliant waterproofing system:
– No vertical water stop installed
– Perimeter water stop with a 20 mm unsealed gap, channelling water into the subfloor
– No puddle flange (waste connected directly to trap)
– Prefabricated XPS (polyurethane foam) tile tray leaking at edges, especially the waste
From experience, foam-style tile tray systems fail frequently. Without the correct components, this shower never stood a chance.
This installation breached AS 3740 Waterproofing of Domestic Wet Areas and the NCC. There was no continuous, sealed waterproofing barrier between the wall and base to prevent ingress. Critical elements were missing or misinstalled, making proper waterproofing impossible.
Quote to include where relevant:
“This breaches AS 3740 Waterproofing Of Domestic Wet Areas, which requires a continuous, sealed waterproofing system between the wall and base to prevent ingress into substrates. This waterproofing barrier is the backup defence if grout or silicone fail.”
• Bathroom floor tiles laid directly onto yellowtongue flooring outside the shower
• Waterproofing applied directly to timber (yellowtongue) instead of fibre cement/tile underlay (non-compliant)
• A recent regrouting attempt concealed the leak and allowed damage to spread
• Structural damage to joists and subfloor
• Ongoing mould growth (health risks)
• Escalating repair costs as water damage expands
We recommended a complete bathroom retile and waterproof to address leakage, replace affected substrates, and install a fully compliant system backed by our 10 year "problem solved, or it's free" warranty.
• Demolition & safe removal of damaged materials
• Plumbing rough-in & fit-off with correct puddle flange
• Carpentry repairs to subfloor/wall linings
• Waterproofing to AS 3740, screeding, floor & wall tiling
• Grouting & silicone sealing
• Semi-frameless shower screen installation (glazier)
• End-to-end project management
Timeline: 9 working days
Before: The leaking shower in the main bathroom made it unusable. The whole family had to share the ensuite, which was stressful and inconvenient. They were also worried about mould and structural damage escalating.
After: With the main bathroom rebuilt properly, routines returned to normal. Mould was removed, the structure protected, and no more crowding into one ensuite — a huge relief with young children at home.
Why they chose us: Accurate diagnosis, no “magic fix” promises, in-house team, local Pakenham facility, and a long-standing reputation.
Caption: Failed prefabricated foam tile tray — leaking at all sides, especially around the waste.
Caption: Rot and mould visible beneath the base due to missing puddle flange and poor waterproofing.
Caption: Tiles installed on yellowtongue with waterproofing applied directly to timber — non-compliant.
Caption: Completed bathroom with a compliant membrane system and new tiling.
Caption: New shower rebuild with semi-frameless shower screen installed; all works completed to AS 3740.
No. Grout and silicone are finishes, not waterproofing. Without a compliant membrane and correct components behind the tiles, water will keep penetrating.
Look for mould, musty smells, loose grout, cracked tiles, mouldy grout that keeps coming back, swollen skirting boards or door jambs, or stains on ceilings below the bathroom.
Typically 9–12 working days, including curing between stages.
• In-house, police-checked team — no subcontractors
• Showroom & facility in Pakenham
• 10-Year Warranty on shower rebuilds
• “Problem Solved or It’s Free” Guarantee
• Over 15 years serving our community and Melbourne’s south-east
And we don't sugar coat it, we professionally diagnose the first time, every time.
If your shower shows signs like mould, cracked grout, or ceiling stains, book a $149 Professional Diagnostic Inspection today.
Book online: https://www.theshowermanmelbourne.com.au/leaking-shower-diagnostic-leak-detection
Or call: (03) 5905 9929
• Shower Base Replacements & Rebuilds — https://www.theshowermanmelbourne.com.au/shower-basereplacements-and-shower-rebuilds
• Shower Tile Regrouting & Epoxy — https://www.theshowermanmelbourne.com.au/shower-tile-re-grouting-epoxy
• Complete Bathroom Renovations — https://www.theshowermanmelbourne.com.au/complete-bathroom-renovations
• More Case Studies — https://www.theshowermanmelbourne.com.au/case-studies
To Amanda, Erol, Yung, Josh and Chris.. thankyou for the excellent communication and a wonderful new shower. All aspects of the project were carried out to the highest standards and no shortcuts were taken. Very highly recommended 10/10.
We got a shower diagnostic report completed and overall the service was very good. Amanda was prompt, communicated clearly and produced a well-structured report that clearly outlined which waterproofing standards were met and which were not.
I cannot recommend this team enough. From the initial consultation booking with Amanda, to quotes, booking the job, choosing tiles and bathroom layout, starting the job on time, completing the job on time, quality workmanship, attention to detail, cleaning up, communication everyday as to arrival time and the result is stunning. We are going to have a bathroom party to celebrate 🍾 Outside of this, every staff member was professional, polite, respectful and friendly. This project came at a particularly difficult few weeks of my life with my brother passing away. I was worried how I would manage with tradies in the house when I just wanted to hide from the world and grieve. Well they were so caring and respectful it was actually comforting having them around.They even gave me a beautiful bunch of flowers 💐 and offered lots of kind words and offers of support above and beyond what you would expect. Thank-you Shower Man team, we are thrilled with the result and also the renovation experience with your team. All the very best 🙏
Very happy with our new shower. The team were very professional and provided us with great service.
Long overdue review, but still wanted to share my feedback! Last November we contacted the Shower Man to get our bathroom assessed for a renovation. They came and assessed our bathroom, and had an available slot for us in just a few short weeks ahead. We went to the showroom and had excellent support in picking our design and ideas. Then once the works started the whole renovation process was completed in about 9-10 days and we are super happy with how it turned out. Could not recommend these guys enough!
We recently had two showers replaced by The Shower Man Melbourne and are very happy with the result and the company. Amanda coordinated the project and was at all times courteous, helpful, efficient and timely in her communications. Erol and Yong carried out the work and were at all times efficient, polite and respectful. There were no delays and we were advised each day when we could expect either Erol or Yong to arrive, with access to a tracking app. We have no hesitation in recommending this company.
Called up with a simple problem and received a simple, free solution. I appreciate the local help and knowledge
Right from our very first initial phone inquiry we were already impressed with Amanda's professionalism and knowledge. We had a shower replaced in our ensuite and our main bathroom partially renovated including a new shower. The tradesmen were very friendly, polite and the standard of workmanship was absolutely first class. A special mention of Yong, the tiler,..... wow what a perfectionist !! We are extremely happy with the results and have no hesitation in recommending The Shower Man to any future customers.
Had to renovate our shower due to a cracked poly base. Riley came out to quote and give suggestions on what would best work for the area. The team were friendly and the renovation was done promptly and professionally. The area now looks amazing. Shout out to Yong the tiler whose attention to detail was amazing. Definitely recommend The Shower Man Melbourne for a professional and awesome looking job.
Such an amazing professional company. We have had two bathroom and ensuite projects completed with perfect results. Thanks Amanda and all the team - you're the best!!!
Could not recommend The Shower Man more! From initial contact to final touches, they did not disappoint. Amanda, Errol, Riley, Yong & their team worked wonders on our ensuite. Extremely happy with the result & their customer service. The workmanship is fantastic & you can tell they enjoy what they do. So happy with our brand new ensuite. Thanks again!
Could not recommend The Shower Man more! From initial contact to final touches, they did not disappoint. Amanda, Errol, Riley, Yong & their team worked wonders on our ensuite. Extremely happy with the result & their customer service. The workmanship is fantastic & you can tell they enjoy what they do. So happy with our brand new ensuite. Thanks again!
Our stay at Amanda’s place exceeded our expectations. We stayed there to attend the RCH – the location was outstanding, so central and easy to get to the hospital. The place was huge and had everything we needed for travelling with kids while still being clutter free and minimalistic It was freshly painted and renovated, basically brand new. Easy to communicate with host, it made the trip very easy.
Amanda’s place is very modern. I would say better in person than in the photo’s. Comfortable beds and cosy space.
We really enjoyed our stay at this Airbnb. It was very spacious, homely and had all the amenities we needed for a 5 week stay. Amanda was a wonderful host who answered every question or concern we had very promptly. Would definitely recommend this spot for anyone completing student placements at the Royal Melbourne, as the location was ideal for both campuses.
Amanda’s place was great, absolutely everything that we needed for our stay. Amanda was a great host and made sure that we were comfortable and had everything we needed. Amanda’s communication was very friendly and prompt and I highly recommend this place for your next stay. Great location with trams and trains right on your doorstep and endless parks within walking distance.
What a great spot! We thoroughly enjoyed this very comfortable home, & the location was fabulous. Between the many nearby local playgrounds, excellent cycling paths, and even some opportunities to see unique wildlife at the wetlands, it was a perfect place for our family. Thank you for sharing your home, Amanda!
Amanda is a very responsive host. Her apartment is cosy and has everything you need for an enjoyable stay. It’s conveniently located close to the city and in a caul de sac with safe on-street parking. It was comforting to have private access to the apartment. I highly recommend this apartment.
Very clean and great communication. Amanda was a lovely host.
Was a great location to the inner city. Communication was great and was relatively clean.
Beautiful townhouse the only thing no Aircon gets really hot.
Wonderful apartment in an excellent location. It is very spacious and is perfect for our family of 6 adults. WiFi works well and accessible from all rooms. The beds are comfy, good linen and plenty of hot water. The dishwasher, washer and dryer are all a bonus. A tram stop and train station are very close by and it takes about 10 Wonderful apartment in an excellent location. It is minutes to reach the Melbourne CBD. It’s only a 30 minute drive to the airport. Love the digital lock for the door rather than keys. It made it really easy for us all to come and go. Thanks for the great stay!
Erol and Dane did an amazing job and a spotless builder’s clean once it was completed! Highly recommend AAA+++
I had a cracked shower base and damaged shower screen and after a plethora of businesses coming around and giving me quotes to build the Taj Mahal, which wasn’t what I wanted. Amanda came around and I explained what I wanted. Amanda was great, went with the insert and a new shower screen. It’s the second bathroom and it’s not used that much. Quality work and very happy customers. I have already recommended to a friend to use the Shower Man Melbourne.
Professional high quality service from quote to planning to buildout. No short cuts. Very pleased, will hire again in future if I need more bathroom work done.
Had a shower recess renovated. I love the job they did including the punctuality of the whole team. Thanks
There was a good line of communication so that the whole process from the beginning ran very smoothly. Dane who carried out the work was quick and efficient.
Very professional, and the end result looks great.
The service was great . Amanda as the sales person was very helpful. Erol and the team were very professional couldn’t ask for better service. Would highly recommend this company. Very honest and they are very happy to discuss all options in regards to work being completed.
Thank you very much guys, I am very happy with your service and highly commended your company, I will choice your service again in the future. Thank you, Amanda.
If I could give them more than 5 stars, I would. Could not ask for more – all of the team over-performed from start to finish, and completely replaced our tired leaky old shower on time and on budget. I’m recommending The Shower Man to everyone I know.
Professional high quality service from quote to planning to buildout. No short cuts. Very pleased, will hire again in future if I need more bathroom work done.
I highly recommend The Shower Man Melbourne. We needed a full bathroom remodel and even during COVID-19 restrictions, the team were highly professional, incredibly responsive, good communicators and worked hard to meet our needs. They were fantastic, and I would not hesitate to use them again.
