A leaking shower is often identified by the following signs; damp carpet, swollen plaster, rotten timber, flaking paint, cracked tiles and mould adjacent to the shower.

Leaks are commonly caused by the failure or breakdown of waterproofing due to harsh cleaning chemicals over time or fluctuations in the buildings joints/seals due to movement that occurs through the change in temperature or exposure winds and shifts in the ground. Another potential cause for the deterioration of waterproofing in bathrooms may be due to poor detailing or the potential weakening of grout and shower sealants. However, the true cause of a leaking shower may not be correctly identified until tiles or flooring is torn up, even then the true cause may still not be identifiable to the naked eye. Although you may just have leaking plumbing so we do suggest engaging a plumber to perform a pressure test to your pipes to eliminate this potential cause.

Waterstop Solutions fix concrete and leaking buildings. We specialise in remedial concrete repairs, remedial leak sealing injection techniques, waterproof membrane application, protective coatings for concrete structures and floor joint refurbishment to commercial, industrial, body corporate, residential and civil buildings and structures.

Although on the odd occasion, we perform remedial bathroom waterproofing works to new bathrooms, we generally recommend seeking the assistance of a waterproofer that specialises in bathroom waterproofing or a specialist builder.

Should I call a plumber or a waterproofer?

Depending on where the leak is originating from you should be able to identify whether a plumber or waterproofer is required. If the leak is originating from an area where there is pipework, contact a plumber to determine whether it is an issue with the pipework and to pressure test the plumbing. Otherwise, if it is a leaking issue around tiles, flooring, roofing or shower edging contact a waterproofer.

There are numerous D.I.Y. remedies to fixing leaking showers however common retail products may be of lesser grade and will not withstand the buildings natural movements. Additionally, most D.I.Y products are only a temporary solution to leaking problems and do not address the root cause or the environment of a shower.

It is important to engage a reputable trade’s professional that are familiar with repairing leaking showers.

In order to appropriately resolve a leaking shower, it usually entails removing the tiles within the shower and access in order to repair or replace the current waterproofing membrane present in the area. However, this process may vary from case to case and often won’t be fully realized until the finishes are removed.

Waterstop Solutions is no longer issuing Form 16 after The New Building Regulation 2021 came into effect on 1 September 2021. We can, however, issue a Form 43 – Aspect Certificate (QBCC Licensee) in its place. 

Unless we completed the task or inspected the works at the three key stages of; surface preparation, membrane application and completion prior to tiling, then no we cannot issue you with a Form 43 Aspect Certificate (QBCC Licensee), which can be completed by QBCC licensees and corporations.

A Form 43 – Aspect Certificate (QBCC Licensee) can be completed and signed by the QBCC licensees and corporations to confirm the aspect work complies with the building approval.  All building forms have been updated to reflect the new numbering and parts of the Building Regulation 2021 (BR 2021).  Form 43 – Aspect Certificate (QBCC licensee) is to be used for the purposes of sections 68, 69 and 70(1)(a) of the Building Regulation 2021, to state the aspect work for a single detached class 1a building and class 10 building and structure is compliant with the building development approval.

When is a Form 43 – Aspect Certificate (QBCC Licensee) used?

A QBCC licensee completes this form, if they have carried out the aspect work (or authorised under the QBCC Regulation) that is subject to a building development approval for a single detached class 1a building or a class 10 building or structure. The QBCC licensee must complete the form informing the building certifier how the aspect work complies with the building development approval.

The QBCC licensee for the aspect of work may give this completed form to the building certifier or competent person (inspections).

Unless we completed the task or inspected the works at the three key stages of; surface preparation, membrane application and completion prior to tiling, then no we cannot issue you with a Form 43 Aspect Certificate QBCC, which can be completed by QBCC licensees and corporations.

Unfortunately, we cannot legally issue you with a Form 43 Aspect Certificate QBCC as we have not completed/inspected the works at each stage. In the event that this occurs, you will require the waterproofing membrane to be redone to gain a new Form 43 Aspect Certificate QBCC from the new contractor you engage.

Depending on where the leak is originating from you should be able to identify whether a plumber or waterproofer is required. If the leak is originating from an area where there is pipework, contact a plumber to determine whether it is an issue with the pipe work and to pressure test the plumbing. Otherwise, if it is a leaking issue around tiles, flooring, roofing or shower edging contact a waterproofer.