A leaking shower isn’t just an annoying drip—it can be a serious issue that causes long-term damage to your home. If water is getting through your tiles, grout, or behind the walls, you could be dealing with mould, structural damage, and costly repairs down the track.

Many people assume a leaking shower is a plumbing problem, but in many cases, the real cause is failed waterproofing, damaged grout, or cracked tiles. In this post, we’ll discuss tips from a few experts on how to fix a leaking shower to quickly repair the shower and solve your leak.


Signs Your Shower is Leaking Through Tiles

If your shower is leaking through tiles, it means water is penetrating where it shouldn’t. Look out for these common signs:

  • Discoloured or cracked grout – This indicates water is seeping through the joints.
  • Loose or drummy tiles – If your tiles sound hollow when tapped, the adhesive has failed due to moisture.
  • Musty smells or mould growth – Persistent moisture leads to mould behind the tiles or on walls.
  • Water stains on ceilings or walls below the bathroom – A clear sign that water is leaking beyond the shower area.
  • Swollen skirting boards or peeling paint near the shower – Water has already started damaging the surrounding structure.

Ignoring these signs can lead to rotting timber subfloors, weakened walls, and expensive repairs. If you’re experiencing any of the above, it’s time to take action.


Immediate Actions to Take

  1. Take photos and consult a professional ASAP – Documentation helps assess the issue and get expert advice.
  2. Stop using the shower if waterproofing is compromised – Let the area dry out to prevent further issues like timber rot.
  3. Consider how much you’re willing to invest in a permanent fix if the news is bad – Some leaks may require a full renovation, while others can be sealed. Understanding your budget and long-term expectations will help you decide the best course of action.

Assessing the Damage

A professional will scan the tiles with a moisture meter to read levels underneath and check for:

  • Cracked, degrading, discoloured, or mouldy grout
  • Water trapped under the tiles
  • Compromised waterproofing membrane

Looking at the tile surface alone doesn’t reveal the full extent of the damage. Often, a degrout is needed to see if water has penetrated and if the membrane has failed.

Some telltale signs of waterproofing failure include:

  • Cracked, loose, or drummy tiles
  • Efflorescence (white salt deposits on tiles)
  • Water leaking to the other side of the wall or ceiling below (a clear sign that a simple seal won’t work)

If the waterproofing failure has been left for too long, water may have penetrated through to the timber subfloor or walls. However, the full extent of the damage can only be assessed once the walls or floor are removed for an invasive inspection.


How to Repair a Leaking Shower

Step 1: Remove the Shower Screen

  • Shower screens are not designed to be reinstalled, but our team is careful enough to reuse them in most cases to save you money.
  • Important: If you have a hob, removing the screen is necessary to properly seal it—many leaks originate from here.

Step 2: Remove Old Grout & Assess if a Seal is Viable

Once the old grout is removed, we determine if a sealing solution is viable or if further intervention is needed.

Repair Options:

Option 1: Try a Seal

  • Some seal technicians offer low-cost fixes, but they cannot guarantee long-term results.
  • We recommend FlexiShield™ Epoxy Grout for its durability and flexibility with building movement, making it perfect for wet areas.
  • Our 15-year warranty ensures a lasting solution.
  • If the damage is minor, this method can seal your shower effectively and prevent future leaks.

Option 2: Full Demolition & Retiling

  • Remove tiles and waterproofing
  • Grind & prepare the surface for a new waterproofing application
  • Apply 2 layers of waterproofing membrane for extra protection and increased warranty
  • Retile, grout, and seal with epoxy (same high-quality finish as Option 1)
  • Replace the shower screen
  • If multiple areas of the shower are affected, a shower renovation may be the best long-term solution.

For extensive damage, a full shower floor repair may be necessary. This process includes removing old flooring, applying a new waterproofing membrane, and reinstalling tiles to ensure long-term durability.


Don’t Ignore a Leaking Shower—Fix It Properly!

If you’ve noticed water escaping through your tiles, don’t wait until the damage gets worse. Plumbers fix pipes—tilers fix leaks caused by failed waterproofing!

Contact Allspex Tiling today for a professional assessment and long-term solution to your leaking shower.

📞 Call us at 0401 442 881
📧 Email us at info@allspextiling.com.au
📍 Servicing the Gold Coast & surrounds