What is the difference between regrouting and resealing?

Grout fills the joints between tiles; silicone seals the junctions where surfaces meet, such as wall to base and around the screen. Regrouting replaces failed grout, resealing (recaulking) replaces failed silicone. Most leaking showers need both, and we always assess the waterproofing beneath before signing off.

Leaking Shower Repair Melbourne

A leaking shower is rarely self-resolving, and the source of a faulty shower is rarely a plumbing issue. Failed grout, perished silicone, and a worn waterproofing membrane are the most common causes of leaking showers, as water tracks down the tiles and into the lower subfloor. Water damage restoration is usually expensive, and by the time you can observe visible signs of damage, the bill may already be significant. Pinnacle Plumbing can help you identify and resolve a leaking shower with an accurate diagnosis and an effective first-time repair. The team offers re-grouting, re-sealing, re-waterproofing or even shower base rebuilding services to restore your bathroom to its previous condition.

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How to tell your shower is leaking

Signs of a leaking shower

Water pooling outside the shower or on the floor after every use

A damp smell, swelling skirting boards, or peeling paint near the bathroom

Lifted, hollow, or cracked tiles around the base of the shower

Cracked, crumbling, or missing grout lines in the shower

Discoloured, shrunken, or peeling silicone seals along the edges and joints

Black mould persistently appearing in corners despite regular cleaning efforts

Any of the signs above should prompt a call to a professional plumber. If there are two or more, there is likely already substantial water damage in places that are not readily apparent. If there is a suspicion of a hidden leak, contact Pinnacle Plumbing’s water leak detection service, who can identify precisely where water is getting in without damaging the bathroom further.

What actually causes a leaking shower?

Shower leaks originate in the surface layer, not in the plumbing. Grout is a notoriously weak component in any tiled shower as it is highly porous and develops cracks as buildings settle. Caulking is another weak point as it tends to shrink and pull away from the seams it is supposed to protect. Below the grout and silicone is the waterproofing membrane, which is the innermost line of defence against water ingress. If the water is getting past the tiles and under the sealing layers, the waterproofing membrane is compromised, letting water penetrate deeper into the subfloor. The appropriate repair method will depend on which layer is faulty, which is why Pinnacle Plumbing recommends a professional assessment before any work commences. If the shower is leaking due to a faulty tap, mixer or other plumbing fixture, it is considered a [link] leaking tap repair by Pinnacle Plumbing’s licensed plumbers.

plumber fixing the tap with the help of his tool

Shower regrouting

Cracks in the grout lines present the most common point of entry for water into the subfloor. The Pinnacle Plumbing team specialises in total re-grouting with flexible specialist grouts suitable for movement in the building structure. In addition to restoring the waterproof integrity of the tiled surface, re-grouting lifts the visual appeal of the whole bathroom.

A man doing household chores is cleaning bathroom bathtub tiles and fixtures with a soapy white scrub brush.

Damaged leaking water tap hose in the bathroom of house, flat or other place. Plumbing concept.

Shower resealing and recaulking

The silicone joints along the walls, inside the shower base, and around the screen are the most stressed parts of any tiled shower, making them prone to premature failure. Pinnacle Plumbing’s technicians remove the old, black, and crumbling silicone joints and replace them with sanitary-grade, and mould-resistant alternatives. Re-sealing is a common part of any leaking shower repair in Melbourne, along with re-grouting, as both the grout lines and silicone contribute to a shower’s waterproof integrity.

Shower waterproofing and membrane repair

If re-sealing and re-grouting are ineffective, it is likely that the waterproofing membrane underneath the tiles is faulty. This is the crucial layer that prevents water from penetrating the lower subfloor, so it is essential to address it to stop recurring water damage. Pinnacle Plumbing’s technicians perform all waterproofing works according to the Australian Standard for waterproofing of wet areas, AS 3740. Depending on the situation, targeted membrane repair or a complete strip-out and re-waterproofing of the shower recess may be necessary.

Shower base repair, rebuild and replacement

The base of the shower holds the most water of any part, so it bears the highest risk of leaking. If the base has failed, a total rebuild is the best option to restore the waterproof integrity of the shower. The old base is dismantled, and the base screed is prepared to receive a new waterproof membrane. This is then tiled over to recreate the original appearance of the shower base. Additionally, Pinnacle Plumbing can replace failed acrylic shower bases with a new pre-formed waterproof base, repairing the screed as well.

Why choose Pinnacle for a leaking shower?

Plumbers and tilers under one roof: most shower sealing companies cannot offer plumbing services, and most plumbers cannot re-grout, waterproof, or re-tile a shower. Pinnacle Plumbing combines both sets of skills, so that the cause of the leak can be properly diagnosed and effectively resolved no matter what trade caused it.

We rule out a plumbing leak before sealing: you will never have to pay for an unnecessary sealant or waterproofing job with Pinnacle Plumbing, as we always test for plumbing leaks first.
Waterproofing membranes are applied to Australian Standard AS 3740 specifications.
Before and after photos of actual jobs are available upon request, not stock images.
Upfront quotes upon inspection, no nasty surprises.

Our leaking shower repair process

Inspection and diagnosis to determine the failed waterproofing layer and rule out a plumbing leak.

• An upfront estimate of the required works is prepared.

• Repairs are made according to the diagnosis, which may include re-grouting, re-sealing, re-waterproofing, or base rebuilding.

• Leak test and final inspection before completion of works.

• Final clean-up and worksite restoration.

Melbourne’s leaking shower specialists

Pinnacle Plumbing services Richmond, Fitzroy, Collingwood, Carlton, Hawthorn, Kew, Prahran, South Yarra, Toorak, the Melbourne CBD and surrounding inner suburbs. Local means we arrive when we say we will, and our work is backed by licensed tradespeople who do this every day. See your suburb on our Melbourne plumber page.

Frequently asked questions

How much does leaking shower repair cost in Melbourne?

It depends on which layer has failed. Regrouting and resealing are the most affordable fixes; a failed membrane or shower base rebuild is more involved. We inspect first and give a fixed quote before any work begins, so the price you approve is the price you pay.

Can you fix a leaking shower without removing tiles?

Often, yes. Many leaking showers are resolved by raking out and regrouting plus stripping and recaulking the silicone joints, with no tiles removed. Where the membrane has failed and tiles do need to come up, we will show you why before anything is touched.

How long does a regrout and reseal last?

With quality materials, properly prepared, expect many years of service; silicone joints typically need refreshing before grout does. The honest caveat: if the membrane underneath has failed, no amount of surface sealing lasts, which is why we diagnose the full system first.

Is your waterproofing done to Australian Standards?

Yes. All waterproofing work is carried out in accordance with AS 3740, the Australian Standard for waterproofing of domestic wet areas.

What if the leak is actually a pipe, not the shower itself?

That is exactly why we check first. Unlike sealing-only companies, Pinnacle is a licensed plumbing business, so if the water is coming from a pipe or fitting behind the wall, the same team can repair it on the spot rather than sealing over a plumbing problem.