What the Homeowner Noticed
The homeowner first noticed that the paint on the hallway wall sharing a backing with the shower was bubbling and peeling near the floor.
There was a distinct musty smell in the ensuite, even after cleaning, and the carpet in the adjacent room felt slightly damp to the touch during heavy rain periods.
Although the shower tiles looked intact to the naked eye, the grout seemed to be discolouring rapidly, and the silicone seal at the floor junction had begun to pull away.
These were clear indicators that water was escaping the shower enclosure and traveling through the wall cavity, affecting the timber frame and plasterboard in other rooms.
What We Found During Our Professional Diagnostic Inspection
Our inspection revealed that while the bathroom looked modern on the surface, the waterproofing underneath was virtually non-existent.
We found that the original builder had not installed a "puddle flange" around the drainage waste, meaning any water that penetrated the grout lines had nowhere to go but into the sub-floor and wall bottom plates.
Furthermore, the waterproofing membrane had not been applied high enough up the walls, and the waterstop angle at the shower entrance was positioned incorrectly, allowing capillary action to draw water out into the main bathroom floor and hallway.
This installation was a clear breach of AS 3740, resulting in the saturation of the pine framing and the swelling of the skirting boards the owner had noticed.
Why the Leak Happened
The primary cause was a failure in the original construction methods often seen in volume-built estates in the Pakenham area.The builder relied on the tiles and grout to act as the water barrier, rather than installing a continuous, compliant waterproofing tanking system beneath.Over time, slight movement in the house slab caused hairline cracks in the grout, allowing water to bypass the tiles and soak into the unprotected timber structure.
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 advised against a "band-aid" reseal, as the internal timber damage needed to be assessed and treated. The homeowner chose a full shower rebuild to ensure longevity and compliance.
Scope Included:
- Careful removal of the bottom rows of wall tiles and the entire shower floor.
- Rectification of the water-damaged timber wall plates and sub-floor preparation.
- Installation of a new puddle flange and a new waterstop angle to contain moisture.
- Application of a fully compliant polyurethane waterproofing membrane with bond breakers.
- Re-screeding the shower base to ensure correct fall to waste.
- Re-tiling with epoxy grout options and certification of the waterproofing works.
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
As your local specialists based right here on Exchange Drive, The Shower Man Melbourne services
the entire Pakenham district and Cardinia Shire.
Pakenham- Berwick
- Narre Warren
- Croydon
- Cranbourne
- Officer
- Ringwood
- Surrey Hills
- Hallam
- rowville
- Lyndhurst
- Beaconsfield
Plus much more...
Explore Related Services
Leaking Shower Diagnostic & Leak Detection
Shower Rebuilds & Waterproofing
Bathroom Renovations
Leaking Shower Diagnostic & Leak Detection
7A Exchange Drive, Pakenham 3810
1300 287 188
