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.
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.
There are numerous D.I.Y. remedies to fixing leaking showers however common retail products may beof 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.
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 16.
Unfortunately we cannot legally issue you with a form 16 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 16 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.
EXTERNAL LINK TO FORM 16 – INSPECTION CERTIFICATE/ASPECT CERTIFICATE/QBCC LICENSEE ASPECT CERTIFICATE: