Sydney Leaking Shower Repairs.
Leaking shower? While it’s inconvenient that your bathroom floor gets flooded with water after every shower, a leaking shower can be representative of a more serious problem and may be causing considerable damage to your property that you can’t actually see. We are frequently called to homes where the shower has been leaking for a very long time but it is only when very obvious signs start presented themselves that the client realises there is an issue.
Leaking shower causes and problems
There are several reasons why your shower may be leaking. Firstly, it’s important to identify the cause of the problem so it can be fixed quickly and cost effectively. If the source of the leak is not identified then constant water damage over time can actually weaken your home and lead to serious structural problems than can be expensive to fix.
BUILDING MOVEMENT : The ground on which our homes are built is moving all the time. Although this movement is very subtle and usually unnoticeable, it causes the structures build upon the ground (i.e. our homes) to move too. As these structures shift due to ground movement, joints and corners around the home can crack, floors may become uneven and walls no longer square. This movement can cause joints in the shower to shift too causing cracks in the tile grout, the waterproofing seals to break down and sealant to deteriorate. Sometimes these cracks may be so small you may not even notice them yet they are wide enough for water to penetrate.
GAPS : Over time materials used to build our homes may shrink and swell. In most instances this is normal. Sometimes, materials may deteriorate or degrade simply due to their age. This movement can also cause cracks and subtle changes in your home’s structure. As above, these changes can appear in the bathroom and shower causing the same problems as listed above, usually exacerbating the problem as materials break down further due to constant water damage.
PLUMBING : With pipes running behind walls it can be hard to ascertain that a problem is occurring until obvious signs of water leaks and damage appear (see list below). If plumbing joints become loose and subsequently start leaking than water damage will undoubtedly start occurring.
WATERPROOFING : Some homeowners are of the impression that tiles and grout are what provides the waterproofing in a shower. This is not true and is a dangerous assumption. Tiles do not provide sufficient waterproofing – far from it. Correct waterproofing is the application of a special membrane that is applied below the tiles and the backing board that the tiles are affixed to. If a suitable waterproofing membrane is not applied, is not applied correctly during the shower installation or it gets a hole in it, then water can penetrate through the membrane into structural areas of the home causing significant problems.
CLEANING : In some instances a waterproofing agent may have been applied to a shower to assist in the prevention (or further prevention if problems have already occurred) of water penetration. Harsh cleaning products can wear away this liquid waterproofing agent and causing degradation of this additional membrane.
WATERPROOFING MATERIALS : To save money and, in same cases due to a lack of waterproofing expertise, some tradespeople and home owners may use inferior and inadequate waterproofing products when renovating their bathroom or in an attempt to fix waterproofing problems that may have occurred. The use of inferior waterproofing materials or incorrect products, while it saves money initially can actually be a lot more costly if the waterproofing material breaks down. It also gives home owners a false sense of security.
TILING : While tiles are not an adequate waterproofing solution alone, they are part of the waterproofing process. If tiles are not set properly, start to crack or the grout starts to break down, this can cause water to penetrate to the backing board behind. A coat of sealer can be applied to tiles however this is usually not a long term solutions (see “cleaning” above).
How you can identify if your shower is leaking
SMELL : If you can smell mildew then this is usually due to dampness caused by a leak and is rotting timber and wall materials.
WARPED WALLS : Water damage can cause the wall material to swell and contract causing walls to warp.
SKIRTING BOARDS : Swollen skirting boards are a typical sign that water is penetrating behind the wall. You may also notice skirting board paint peeling or discolouring.
STAINED WALLS : Water damage will create visible stains on walls.
BUBBLING PAINT : Moisture commonly causes paint to bubble as the water prevents the paint from adhering to the wall.
TILE GROUT : Tile grout may become crumbly and disintegrate due to constant moisture. Due to this tiles may even start coming off the walls.
STICKING DOORS : Water causes timber to swell and contract. You may notice doors become stuck and are harder to open and close.
MOULDY SILICONE : Silicon products used to “plug” gaps, seal joints and repair cracks are usually only a temporary fix. Deteriorating or mouldy silicone can be a sign that your shower is leaking.
How we fix leaking showers
Many people opt for a DIY shower leak fix first. If you know what you’re doing then this may be all that is necessary. It is important to note that constant water penetration anywhere within the home can cause problems to the structure of the home which can be expensive to rectify. Typically, the longer it occurs the worse the problem becomes. Silicon products used to “plug” gaps, seal joints and repair cracks however usually there are only a temporary fix and should be monitored to ensure the seal doesn’t break down.
By hiring a professional waterproofing, such as the team at Drip Dry Shower Repairs and Waterproofing, we can find the source of the problem and rectify the issue to prevent damage now and into the future. In fact, we are so confident in our waterproofing expertise that we offer a 15 year guarantee.
In most cases we can undertaken any bathroom waterproofing and leaking shower repairs without removing any tiles. This can save the homeowner hundreds, even thousands, of dollars as you won’t have to replace existing tiles. It also means your bathroom is ready for use again much quicker.
GET IN TOUCH
For fast shower leak fixes, waterproofing and tile repairs, get in touch with our friendly team. We’re here to help 24/7.
Drip Dry Shower Repairs and Waterproofing
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.
- licensed to issue waterproofing certificates
GET IN TOUCH
For fast shower leak fixes, waterproofing and tile repairs, get in touch with our friendly team. We’re here to help 24/7.