A leaking shower might seem minor, but left unrepaired it causes timber rot, mould growth, and structural damage that becomes expensive to fix. Revolution Plumbing diagnoses the cause, repairs the leak, and restores proper waterproofing so the problem does not come back.
We diagnose and fix the actual cause of the leak, not just the symptoms.
Not all shower leaks are caused by the same thing. We systematically test to determine whether the leak is coming from failed waterproofing, cracked grout or silicone, a leaking mixer valve behind the wall, or a damaged drain. Accurate diagnosis prevents unnecessary work and ensures the repair addresses the actual problem. We use moisture meters and detection equipment to trace the water path.
When the waterproofing membrane has failed, tiles need to be removed so the membrane can be replaced. We strip the affected area, apply a new waterproofing membrane to Australian Standard AS 3740, allow proper curing time, and retile. This is the only permanent fix for a waterproofing failure and ensures the wet area meets current building standards.
If the leak is caused by cracked, missing, or deteriorated grout and silicone, a full reseal can resolve the problem without removing tiles. We remove all old grout and silicone from wet area joints, apply new silicone sealant, and regrout where needed. This is a cost-effective repair when the waterproofing membrane underneath is still intact.
Sometimes the leak is not from the shower floor or walls at all. It is from a leaking mixer valve, supply pipe, or fitting behind the wall. We access the plumbing through the wall cavity (often from an adjacent room or cupboard), repair or replace the faulty component, and seal the access point. No tile removal required for this type of repair.
Describe what you are seeing: water on the bathroom floor, damp patches on adjacent walls, water stains on the ceiling below, or musty smells. These clues help us prepare for the diagnosis.
We test the shower systematically to determine the source: waterproofing, grout and silicone, plumbing connections, or drain. You get a clear explanation of the cause and an upfront price for the repair before any work begins.
We complete the repair using the right method for the cause. Whether it is resealing, waterproofing, or plumbing repair, we fix the actual problem so it does not come back. All workmanship is guaranteed.
Many Canberra homes were built in the 1970s through to the 1990s, a period when waterproofing standards were less stringent than they are today. Suburbs across Belconnen, Woden, Tuggeranong, and Weston Creek have thousands of bathrooms with original waterproofing that is now 30 to 50 years old.
Even waterproofing that was correctly applied eventually degrades. Movement in the building, temperature changes (Canberra's extreme hot-cold range accelerates this), and general wear break down the membrane over time. Once the waterproofing fails, every shower sends water into the timber framing and subfloor below.
The consequences of ignoring a shower leak compound over time. What starts as a small damp patch becomes timber rot, mould behind walls, swollen particle board, and eventually floor or wall failure. Early diagnosis and repair is always cheaper than waiting.
If you are planning a bathroom renovation, now is the ideal time to address any existing waterproofing issues. The walls and floors will be open anyway, making it the most cost-effective point to install a new waterproofing membrane.
The things Canberra locals ask us most. Still not sure? Just give us a call and we are happy to talk it through.
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