What the Homeowner Noticed
The homeowner first noticed the timber skirting boards beside the shower in the master bedroom had begun to swell and discolour, a clear sign of ongoing moisture exposure.
Despite attempts to address the issue by regrouting and applying new silicone, mould continued to return in the lower internal corners of the shower, suggesting the problem extended beyond surface-level sealing.
Over time, the carpet just outside the bathroom developed a spongy, springy feel underfoot, indicating moisture had migrated past the bathroom threshold and into the subfloor.
A recent building maintenance report later confirmed these concerns, warning that the first-floor shower was likely leaking into the floor joists and posing a risk to the ceiling below.
What We Found During Our Professional Diagnostic Inspection
Our thermal imaging and moisture mapping confirmed a catastrophic failure of the internal waterproofing membrane.
In many Wantirna South homes of this era, membranes were often applied thinly or lacked the necessary bond breakers to handle natural house settlement.
We discovered that the shower was built without a puddle flange—a critical drainage component required by modern standards. Without it, water was seeping through the grout, hitting the slab, and traveling laterally under the tiles into the hallway rather than down the drain.
This non-compliant installation was a direct breach of AS 3740 (Waterproofing of Domestic Wet Areas) and was actively rotting the timber plates behind the wall tiles.
Why the Leak Happened
The failure was two-fold: age and non-compliant construction.
The original 1990s liquid membrane had reached the end of its lifespan and cracked due to structural movement.
Furthermore, the absence of a compliant drainage flange meant that any water penetrating the tile surface had no way to escape, leading to "hydrostatic pressure" that forced moisture into the surrounding timber framing and bedroom walls.
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
To ensure a permanent, lifetime fix rather than a temporary cover-up, we recommended a targeted shower-area rebuild to bring the wet area up to current Australian Standards.
Scope Included:
- Precision demolition of the shower base and the first two rows of wall tiles.
- Replacement of water-damaged timber studs and bottom plates.
- Installation of a new, compliant puddle flange and screed for optimal fall to the drain.
- Application of a high-performance, multi-coat waterproofing system (AS 3740 compliant).
- Re-tiling and grouting with premium epoxy materials for maximum durability.
- Installation of a new semi-frameless shower screen.
- Final moisture testing to certify the area is 100% watertight.
What to Expect During Your Professional In-Home Inspection
Before & After – Shower Rebuild
.jpg)
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.
Scoresby- Wheelers Hill
- Berwick
- Wantirna
- Boronia
- Frankston
- Vermont South
- Bayswater South
- Rowville
- Glen Waverley
- Knoxfield
- Cranbourne
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
