As part of our daily routine, we take showers to refresh ourselves and relax after a busy day. If showers are not appropriately waterproofed, they can cause significant structural damage and mould growth. This is why waterstops are so important.
A waterstop is a special material that prevents water from penetrating through joints and seams in the shower. We will examine why investing in high-quality waterstops is a crucial step in any bathroom renovation or construction project and how they ensure your shower’s long-term durability and integrity.
For showers, water stops are typically installed around the perimeter of the shower base and at the bottom of any walls in contact with the shower area. A waterstop can be constructed of either a hob or an aluminium angle.
Waterstops are also installed at entry thresholds of wet areas. This is done to prevent water from seeping beneath tiles or through the joints or cracks in these areas and into the structure of the building.
A puddle flange or a leak control flange should be recessed into the subfloor area of the shower base, connecting to the shower waste trap (a PVC drainage trap sits below the subfloor connecting to the plumbing drainage system.
The waterstop is waterproofed from the external side, extending over the waterstop and down onto the shower base, extending up the shower recess walls to a minimum height of 1800mm, or to the size of the shower head (whichever is higher), with the waterproofing terminating inside the puddle flange.
This is designed to allow any water that leaks through failed grout or silicone to travel along the waterproofing inside the shower into the puddle flange so that it can exit into the waste outlet into the drainage plumbing system instead of travelling under tiles outside the shower base or bathroom.
The waterstop essentially “stops” water penetrating substrates and the structure by directing any water leakage or seepage into the drainage system so that it cannot cause water damage to a bathroom or shower.
Waterstops ensure that water is contained within the shower or bathroom area and does not migrate into other parts of the building.
AS 3740-2021 is the Australian standard for waterproofing in domestic wet areas, and it specifies the requirements for installing waterstops in bathrooms and showers.
According to the standard, waterstops must be of an appropriate type and size for the intended use and must be installed appropriately to ensure they function correctly.
The standard also requires testing waterstops to meet the required performance criteria.
It’s important to note that the installation location may vary depending on the type of shower and the materials used in its construction. Following the manufacturer’s instructions and the AS 3740-2021 waterproofing of domestic wet areas guidelines is essential.
One of our experienced shower repair and bathroom renovation technicians installed the Hebel Hobs to the shower base’s perimeter, creating our waterstop. These are installed using a polyurethane adhesive, both an adhesive and a sealant that seals all junctions and joins before the waterproof membrane application. The waterproof membrane will be applied to the shower walls, on all sides of the hobs and onto the shower base, terminating inside the puddle flange, the plastic recessed pan connected to the drainage plumbing system in the home.
Any bathroom needs shower waterstops to prevent water from leaking from the shower and damaging the floors and walls. Waterstops also play a vital role in ensuring safety by preventing slips and falls caused by water pooling outside the shower.
If waterstops are not installed or replaced during bathroom renovations or construction projects, they may lead to costly repairs and safety hazards. So, trust the experts at The Shower Man Melbourne for unmatched shower repair and bathroom renovations!
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.
