What the Homeowner Noticed
The Narre Warren homeowner became concerned after noticing the bedroom carpet along the wall adjoining the shower felt damp underfoot, with visible signs of moisture present.
The skirting boards outside the bathroom had begun to swell and discolour, suggesting prolonged exposure to water rather than a one-off spill.
Inside the shower, the grout in the base showed signs of deterioration, appearing powdery and brittle in several areas — a common issue in homes of this era where waterproofing systems are approaching the end of their service life.
Despite repeated cleaning, mould continued to return along the internal vertical silicone joints, indicating moisture was likely trapped behind the shower lining rather than on the surface alone.
What We Found During Our Professional Diagnostic Inspection
Our thermal imaging and moisture moisture meters confirmed a significant failure of the original liquid waterproofing membrane.
In Narre Warren homes of this era, we often find that the waterproofing was only applied to the floor and not sufficiently up the walls or into the "wet area" junctions.
Upon closer inspection, we found the shower was missing a puddle flange—a critical component required by modern Australian Standards (AS 3740).
Without it, water was seeping through the grout, hitting the slab, and traveling horizontally under the tiles into the hallway and bedroom walls. The timber wall plates were already showing signs of early-stage dry rot due to prolonged exposure to this trapped moisture.
Why the Leak Happened
The leak was caused by the natural degradation of the original 1990s waterproofing membrane, which had reached the end of its 20-year lifespan and become brittle.
This was exacerbated by minor structural movement—common in Narre Warren’s reactive clay soils—which caused the wall-to-floor junctions to crack.
Because there was no modern perimeter flashing or compliant "tanking" system in place, there was nothing to stop the water from migrating into the structural timber framing once the tile grout failed.
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
We provided a comprehensive solution that prioritised long-term structural integrity over a cosmetic patch-up.
The homeowner chose a targeted shower rebuild to modernise the wet area and bring it up to 2024 NCC (National Construction Code) standards.
Scope Included:
- Careful demolition of the shower alcove and removal of the compromised substrate.
- Treatment of the timber wall plates with anti-fungal solution to stop further rot.
- Installation of a new, compliant puddle flange and James Hardie Villaboard wall lining.
- Application of a high-performance, multi-coat waterproofing system (exceeding AS 3740).
- New screed and precision tiling with epoxy grout for maximum water resistance.
- Installation of a semi-frameless shower screen and modern tapware.
- Final moisture test and issuance of a Waterproofing Certificate of Compliance.
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.
Narre Warren North- Berwick
- Hallam
- Narre Warren South
- Cranbourne
- Officer
- Hampton Park
- Lysterfield
- Hallam
- Endeavour Hills
- Lyndhurst
- Beaconsfield
Explore Related Services
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Leaking Shower Diagnostic & Leak Detection
7A Exchange Drive, Pakenham 3810
1300 287 188
