Shower Renovation Case Study: Fixing a Leaking Shower Base in Melbourne
By Housecare Plumbing
Leaking Shower Base – A Hidden Issue with Serious Consequences
A leaking shower base is a problem many homeowners underestimate — until water starts appearing on the ceiling below.
This Melbourne project highlights how hidden waterproofing failures can lead to significant structural damage if not identified and rectified early.
The client contacted Housecare Plumbing after noticing ongoing water stains and moisture marks on the ceiling beneath their bathroom. Although the shower looked fine on the surface, the signs clearly indicated a concealed issue behind the tiles.
Identifying the Root Cause
After a detailed inspection, it was confirmed that the shower base and existing waterproofing system had failed. Over time, water had penetrated beneath the tiles, saturated the substrate, and leaked into the ceiling below.
Common causes found in similar cases include:
Aged or poorly installed waterproof membranes
Incorrect falls toward the shower waste
Cracked tiles or failed grout joints
Shower bases not constructed to Australian Standards
In this instance, the waterproofing system had completely deteriorated, allowing water to travel unnoticed through the structure.
Our Solution: Complete Shower Base Rebuild & Waterproofing
Rather than applying a temporary repair, a full shower base rebuild was recommended to permanently resolve the issue.
The scope of works included:
Removal of the existing shower base and damaged materials
Rebuilding the shower base with correct drainage falls
Installation of a new linear floor waste
Full waterproofing to the shower base, walls, and all penetrations
Pressure testing and plumbing inspections prior to tiling
All waterproofing works were carried out strictly in accordance with Australian Standards, ensuring long-term leak protection.
New Tiles & Clean Finish
Once the waterproofing system was fully cured and inspected, new wall and floor tiles were installed with precision, including:
Accurate tile alignment
Proper grout sealing
Correct falls toward the floor waste
The finished shower now delivers a clean, modern appearance — supported by reliable waterproofing beneath the surface, where it matters most.
Cabinet & Stone Benchtop Installation
As part of the overall renovation scope, cabinet and stone benchtop installation was completed in coordination with other trades.
This included:
Installation of new cabinetry
Plumbing connections for the basin and appliances
Marble / stone benchtop installation
Final fit-off and system testing
This coordinated approach ensured a smooth workflow and a fully functional bathroom ready for handover.
Why Proper Waterproofing Matters
Tiles and grout are not waterproof. Without a correctly installed membrane, water will eventually penetrate walls, floors, and ceilings.
A properly constructed shower should always include:
Certified waterproofing systems
Correct drainage falls
Proper sealing around wastes and fixtures
Licensed plumbing workmanship
At Housecare Plumbing, the focus is on fixing the root cause — not just the visible symptoms.
Need a Shower Renovation or Leak Repair in Melbourne?
If you’re dealing with:
A leaking shower base
Ceiling or wall water damage
Bathroom renovation issues
Waterproofing, tiling, or plumbing concerns
Housecare Plumbing offers complete plumbing, cabinetry, tiling and benchtop installation services, providing clients with a single point of contact for kitchen and bathroom renovations. This approach reduces delays, coordination issues and ensures a clean, high-quality finish.
📍 Melbourne-wide service
📞 Phone: 0466 820 789
🌐 Website: housecareplumbing.com.au
📘 Facebook: Housecare Plumbing
Phone: 0466 820 789
Website: housecareplumbing.com.au
Facebook: Housecare Plumbing
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