Questions? Call our bathroom waterproofers for advice.
One of the most common home building defects is waterproofing problems in wet areas such as bathrooms, showers and baths. If waterproofing issues aren’t addressed and repaired quickly, it can lead to significant problems that can be costly to repair and rectify. To prevent this from happening, waterproofing problems should be addressed as soon as they’re noticed.
Regular inspections, proper maintenance and repairs are crucial in preventing and rectifying common bathroom waterproofing problems. If you believe you have a waterproofing problem, contact our friendly team for advice. We’re here to help.
Below we have listed common bathroom waterproofing problems that we encounter regularly.
Leaking showers and baths
Common causes of leaking showers and baths
- Cracked tiles
- Deteriorated grout between the tiles
- Faulty or inadequate silicone around the edge of the shower or bath
How we can help
- Replace cracked tiles
- Tile regrouting – remove faulty grout and regrout
- Remove and replace deteriorating silicone / caulking
Further reading: Damage caused by leaking baths and showers »
Cracked or Missing Tile Grout
Causes of tile grout problems
- The main cause is deterioration. Over time grout can crack or become dislodged. This creates openings (cracks and holes) where water can penetrate.
How we can help
- Remove damaged grout and replace with new grout so there is a watertight seal.
Further reading: Why does grout get holes and/or crumble? | Why do tiles crack?
Leaking Pipes
Common causes of leaking pipes
- Bathroom water leaks are typically due to damaged or improperly sealed pipes in the walls or floors.
How we can help
- We can often assist in identifying the source of the leaking pipe and, if required, liaise with a plumber to rectify the problem.
Failing Waterproofing Membrane
Causes of waterproofing membrane problems
- If there is no waterproofing membrane beneath tiles or it starts to fail or is inadequate, then water can seep through to the underlying structure (i.e. floor, walls).
How we can help
- Rectify problems with the waterproofing membrane so there is an adequate barrier that prevents water penetration.
- Install a new waterproofing membrane (to Australian Standards) that creates an impermeable banner between the tiles and the underlying structure.
Further reading: Waterproofing certificates »
Poorly Sealed Joints
Joint sealing problems
- Poor sealing of joints where the bath and/or shower meets the wall or floor.
- Degrading sealant failing around tap faucets and drains causing leaks.
How we can help
- Remove decaying or failing sealant (silicone or caulking). Replace with new sealant to prevent water penetration and to create a proper seal.
Inadequate Slope or Drainage
Inadequate slope problems
- Inadequate slope can cause water to pool in certain areas.
How we can help
- Our waterproofers and tilers can assess whether there is an adequate slope so water leads to the drain and is taken away correctly.
- If inadequate slope is determined, we can remove the bathroom tiles and rectify slope problems, waterproof and retile.
Walls and Floors Moisture
Causes of moisture in walls and floors
- Any or all of the problems outlined above can cause water to enter the walls and floor of a bathroom leading to moisture problems.
How we can help
- Replace cracked tiles
- Remove damaged grout and replace with new grout so there is a watertight seal.
- Remove and replace deteriorating silicone / caulking
- Rectify problems with the waterproofing membrane so there is an adequate barrier that prevents water penetration.
- If inadequate slope or drainage problems are the cause, we can remove the bathroom tiles and rectify slope problems, waterproof and retile.
Further reading: Signs you may have a waterproofing problem »
Lack of Ventilation
Problems due to poor bathroom ventilation
- Bathrooms are wet areas filled with moisture and steam every day. Improper ventilation can cause moisture to build up which promotes mould growth and water damage.
How we can help
- Discuss how you can improve ventilation (e.g. exhaust fan installation, window placement to improve air flow)
- Liaise with tradespeople to undertake the work.
Need help? Contact our licensed bathroom waterproofers for advice.
For a bathroom waterproofing assistance and advice, contact our friendly team. We’re here to help 24/7.
Drip Dry Waterproofing Northern Beaches and North Shore.
Drip Dry Shower Repairs and Waterproofing offers a fast, reliable and affordable service that stops leaking showers and wet area waterproofing problems in their tracks.
We are fully licensed waterproofing professionals who specialise in the repair and waterproofing of showers, baths and all wet areas around the home including bathrooms, laundries and kitchens. Additionally, we offer a complete shower restoration service that includes removing existing tiles, waterproofing and retiling the area leaving your shower looking as good as new.
In the vast majority of cases, we can fix your leaking shower without removing any tiles. This can save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars, as you don’t have to replace any tiles. It also ensures you’re back enjoying trouble-free showering quickly.
We use only quality materials and our workmanship exceeds the Australian Standard requirements. Over the past 25+ years, we have built a solid reputation based on excellent quality and exceptional service. In fact, we are so confident in our shower leak repairs and waterproofing services that we offer a 15 year guarantee.
We service Sydney’s Northern Beaches, North Shore and North Sydney areas, 24 hours / 7 days, and are compliant in:
- legislation and industry requirements
- verified ABN and trading names with ASIC
- validated insurances and licences
- safety, environment, organisational and financial management systems
- strata and real estate listing agencies who monitor and ensure contractors have the right safety systems, qualifications and insurances to work on your sites and projects
- authorised to supply waterproofing certificates