What the Homeowner Noticed
The homeowners noticed several "red flag" symptoms that are common in older Frankston properties.
The most alarming sign was moisture wicking up the skirting boards in the adjacent hallway, causing the timber to swell and the paint to peel.
Inside the shower itself, the grout lines had become discoloured and porous, and the silicone in the vertical corners had completely detached from the tiles.
There was also a noticeable "spongy" feel to the floor tiles near the waste, suggesting that water had saturated the substrate beneath.
What We Found During Our Professional Diagnostic Inspection
Our inspection revealed a complete failure of the original liquid-applied waterproofing membrane, which had reached the end of its 30-year lifespan and become brittle.
Thermal imaging and moisture meters confirmed high levels of saturation in the wall cavity. Critically, we discovered that the shower lacked a "puddle flange" at the floor waste—a common omission in 1980s Frankston builds.
This allowed water to bypass the drain and seep directly into the sand-and-cement screed, which acted like a sponge, holding moisture against the timber plates and causing early-stage wood rot.
Why the Leak Happened
The leak was caused by age-related degradation compounded by non-compliant original construction methods.
The absence of a puddle flange meant that any water penetrating the grout had no way to exit via the drain, leading to "reservoir effect" saturation.
Furthermore, the rigid nature of the original waterproofing could not accommodate the natural movement of the Frankston clay soils, resulting in a tear in the membrane at the wall-to-floor junction.
Why Free Quotes Cost More in the Long Run
Free quotes and quick resealing jobs don’t uncover the real cause of leaks — they only cover them up. This homeowner could easily have been sold another temporary patch like a regrout or silicone touch-up, which would have trapped moisture and worsened the rot.
What to Expect During Your Professional In-Home Inspection
Our Recommended Fix
Because the moisture had already compromised the subfloor and wall studs, we recommended a targeted shower-zone rebuild to ensure the home remained structurally sound.
Scope Included:
- Controlled demolition of the shower alcove and removal of saturated debris.
- Treatment of timber framing with anti-microbial solution to stop mould growth.
- Installation of a modern, multi-coat waterproofing system compliant with AS 3740.
- Installation of a mechanical puddle flange to ensure future-proof drainage.
- Precision tiling and grouting with high-flexibility additives.
- Installation of a new semi-frameless glass screen and modern tapware.
- Full moisture-free certification upon completion.
What to Expect During Your Professional In-Home Inspection
Before & After – Shower Rebuild
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Is Your Shower Leaking?
The Homeowner’s Experience
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
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
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
Why Homeowners Choose The Shower Man
100 Year 'Take It To Your Grave' Warranty!
When we say you're getting a permanent solution... WE MEAN IT! That's why we offer our clients a "Take It To Your Grave' 100-Year Warranty!
We Are Blocked Drain Specialists!
We don't install toilets; we don't replace taps; we don't repair gutters... WE FIX DRAINS! So, if you have a drain issue, call your local specialist today!
Over 20+ Years Experience
Corey Hammond, founder and owner of The Shower Mans, has worked in the industry for over 20+ years... So he knows a thing or two about drainage!
Sutherland Shire Owned & Operated
The Shower Mans is a locally owned and operated business located in South Sydney. We're Sutherland Shire born and bred... So back a local today!
The Shower Man '8-Point Guarantee' (Extended!)
We have the 'biggest and badest' blocked drains guarantee in Sydney, so you can be confident knowing that we can solve your drain problem!
Areas We Service Near
The Shower Man Melbourne services the entire Officer growth corridor and surrounding estates.
Seaford- Carrum Downs
- Hallam
- Karingal
- Skye
- Officer
- Mount Eliza
- Baxter
- Hallam
- Langwarrin
- Frankston South
- Beaconsfield
Explore Related Services
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Leaking Shower Diagnostic & Leak Detection
7A Exchange Drive, Pakenham 3810
1300 287 188
