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The Shower Man Melbourne

Leaking Shower Repairs in Pakenham: Hidden Waterproofing Failures & Structural Risks

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)


Symptoms the Homeowners Noticed


• 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


What Our Diagnostic Inspection Found


• 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.


Compliance Issues (AS 3740 & NCC)


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.”


Hidden Damage Behind the Tiles


• 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


Risks If Left Unrepaired


• Structural damage to joists and subfloor
• Ongoing mould growth (health risks)
• Escalating repair costs as water damage expands


Our Recommended Solution


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.


Scope of Works


• 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


Client Experience


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.


Before & After Photos


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.


FAQs


Can regrouting fix a leaking shower?


No. Grout and silicone are finishes, not waterproofing. Without a compliant membrane and correct components behind the tiles, water will keep penetrating.


How do I know if my shower is leaking?


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.


How long does a compliant repair take?


Typically 9–12 working days, including  curing between stages.


Why Choose The Shower Man


• 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.


Don’t Let a Small Leak Become Structural Damage (Call to Action)


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

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Erol and Amanda

Managing Directors
Client Testimonials

The Shower Man Testimonials

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5
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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.

Holger n' Lyn

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5
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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.

Piet Bywater

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5
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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!!!

Allan McKenzie

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5
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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!

Ash Airey

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4
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Margaret Beaton

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5
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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!

Ash Airey

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4
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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.

Leah

Mortlake, Australia
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5
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Amanda’s place is very modern. I would say better in person than in the photo’s. Comfortable beds and cosy space.

Ben

Victoria, Australia
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5
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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.

Monica

Ballarat, Australia
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4
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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.

ian

Nightcliff, Australia
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4
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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!

Simone

Nightcliff, Australia
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4
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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.

Simone

Salisbury North, Australia
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5
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Very clean and great communication. Amanda was a lovely host.

Anna

Camden, Australia
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4
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Was a great location to the inner city. Communication was great and was relatively clean.

Cassie

Sydney, Australia
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4
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Beautiful townhouse the only thing no Aircon gets really hot.

Shaun

Southbank, Australia
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4
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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!

Jennifer

Kedron, Australia
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5
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Erol and Dane did an amazing job and a spotless builder’s clean once it was completed! Highly recommend AAA+++

Teana K

Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
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4
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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.

Dale Culpin

Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
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4
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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.

Robert Prije

Professionalism, Quality
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5
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Had a shower recess renovated. I love the job they did including the punctuality of the whole team. Thanks

christiane mccann

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4
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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.

Duleep Donikku Hewa

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5
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Very professional, and the end result looks great.

David Kemp

Professionalism, Quality
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4
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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.

Marie

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5
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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.

haibin liu

Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Value
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4
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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.

Fiona Mowat

Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
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5
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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.

Robert Prije

Professionalism, Quality
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4
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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.

Melissa Bloomer

Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
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