We repair leaking showers for Australian homes by isolating the cause, regrouting critical grout lines and restoring shower sealing where needed. Our repair team inspects tile and grout with moisture meters and confirms leakage paths before any work. We remove the old grout and silicone sealant, install new grout and reseal movement joints. If you need leaking shower repair or a quote in Brisbane, get in touch and we will book a time.
Causes and signs of a leaking shower
Most leaks start where grout, silicone or the membrane fails, letting shower water track behind tiles and into walls or floors.
Loose or stained grout lets water move through joints. Split silicone allows water to escape at wall-to-base junctions and within the shower recess. A punctured membrane under the shower base or tray can spread moisture into the substrate and cause structural damage. Our inspector checks corners, hob tops, the waste and the shower walls with leak detection tools. We record readings and map the wet area.
A typical example: a first-floor ensuite shows a brown patch on the ceiling below due to a leaking shower. Checks find high moisture along the hob top and a split bead behind the screen. We reseal, re-grout the floor tile field and replace mouldy silicone, and the patch dries over days.
Quick checks you can do
- Look for hairline cracks along internal corners and around the drain.
- Press tiles; hollow sounds suggest debonding and possible tile removal later.
- Smell for musty air or mould and mildew near the shower area.
- Check adjacent skirting and carpet for swelling or staining.
Our leaking shower repair process
We diagnose, remove failed materials, regrout, reseal and test so water stays in the shower and not in your walls or floor.
First, we perform shower leak detection. We run a controlled spray test, check falls to waste and scan with a moisture meter. We identify whether grout or tiles, silicone, or the membrane is the culprit. We explain findings so you understand the fix and the cost of repairing a leaking shower before we start.
Next, we prepare. We rake out old grout to a consistent depth, remove mouldy silicone and clean joints with an alkaline cleaner. We dry the shower recess with ventilation and gentle heat. We then install new grout and tool fresh silicone sealant at all movement joints. We complete a water test after cure to confirm the repair.
What we do in order
- Inspect tile and grout and map moisture.
- Targeted removal of failed grout and silicone.
- Clean, dry and prime joints.
- Install new grout and reseal corners.
- Cure, then water test and handover.
Shower regrouting options and materials
Epoxy grout resists water, stains and chemicals; cement grout suits light use or budget jobs but needs grout sealing and more upkeep.
Epoxy forms a dense, low-porosity joint that blocks water movement and cleans easily. Popular systems such as Mapei epoxy grout offer strong stain resistance in busy bathrooms. High-grade cement grout works where movement is minimal and traffic is light, and we can refresh grout colour during re-grouting if you want a shower rejuvenation that looks good as new. We always specify silicone, not grout, in corners to manage movement within the shower.
For example, a family bathroom and shower used daily benefits from epoxy on the floor and wall corners, as it resists weekly grout cleaning. A seldom-used guest ensuite may be fine with cement grout and a penetrating sealer.
Grout comparison
| Feature | Epoxy grout | Cement grout |
|---|---|---|
| Water resistance | Excellent | Moderate (needs sealer) |
| Stain resistance | High | Medium |
| Flexibility | Moderate | Low |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Best for | High-use, rentals | Light-use, budget |
Costs and timelines for shower regrouting and repairs
Price depends on shower size, grout type, silicone length and any substrate or membrane damage found during inspection.
Most standard grout repair services take a day on site plus cure time. Epoxy usually needs longer tooling and cleanup than cement. Heavily wet substrates may need drying before materials go in, which avoids costly repairs later. We provide a written scope so you know inclusions and the likely cost of repairing a leaking shower based on conditions we can see.
A common scenario: a 900 mm shower with sound tiles but failed grout and silicone. We remove the old grout on the floor tile field and the first wall course, install new grout, and reseal all corners. Work completes in one day; light use returns after cure per product guidance.
What shifts price or time
- Area size and tile format (mosaics take longer).
- Material choice (epoxy vs cement; colour match vs change).
- Extent of grout and silicone removal required.
- Ventilation for drying and curing in the shower area.
- Hidden issues (loose tiles, swollen substrate, structural damage).
How to judge waterproofing vs a full rebuild
Choose a rebuild when tiles are loose, the substrate is damaged or membrane failure is widespread and cannot be isolated.
If only grout or silicone has failed and tiles are sound, targeted regrouting service and reseal usually restore performance at a fraction of the cost of a full renovation. If tiles drum across large areas, the substrate likely moves or is wet; re-grouting will not hold. When water leaks into adjacent rooms after short use, the membrane may be punctured near the waste or shower tray.
Decision guide
| Symptom | Likely fix | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Cracked grout; firm tiles | Regrout + silicone | Proceed with repair |
| Split silicone at corners | Reseal | Replace all movement joints |
| Hollow, loose tiles | Rebuild | Engage tiler for retile |
| Fast leaks into next room | Membrane issue | Open and replace membrane |
| Stained grout months later | Local leak | Test, then targeted repair |
When this may not be the right fit
Cosmetic regrouting will not fix structural movement, cracked trays, rotten substrate or plumbing leaks behind walls.
If the shower base or tray is fractured, if the wall sheeting swells, or if taps leak inside the wall, you need a licensed plumber and likely tile replacement. Regrouting over loose tiles traps moisture and delays the inevitable. We will advise if a repair would waste your money and outline next steps for tile removal and rebuild.
Cases that need more than regrout
- Cracked acrylic bases or tiled trays.
- Widespread hollow tiles or drummy sounds.
- Swollen door jambs or wet sheeting due to a leaking shower.
- Confirmed plumbing leaks in pipework.
Maintenance and prevention after repair
Good ventilation, gentle cleaning and prompt silicone renewal keep joints intact and help the shower shed water as designed.
Run the exhaust fan during and after showers. Wipe corners weekly to stop soap films holding moisture, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Use pH-neutral cleaners and soft pads; strong acids or scrapers damage grout or tiles. Inspect silicone annually and replace at the first sign of gaps to prevent mould growth and mildew growth.
Simple upkeep routine
- Turn on the fan and open a window when safe.
- Squeegee glass, walls and corners after use.
- Clean weekly with a neutral cleaner.
- Reseal silicone every few years or as needed.
Brisbane repair services and response
We service Brisbane homes and units with timely repairs that prioritise leak detection first and disruption last.
Our Brisbane services include shower leak detection, shower sealing and re-grouting, grout cleaning and sealing, and tile and grout repairs. Where the membrane is intact, we fix leaking showers without removing tiles. Where we find movement, we outline options for tile removal and rebuild. We also advise on balcony repairs and leaking balcony repairs if symptoms extend beyond the bathroom.
Wide range of services
- Grout repair services and grout colour refresh.
- Reseal and silicone replacement to movement joints.
- Shower rejuvenation and small shower makeovers.
- Tile replacement and minor re-fall where required.
- Balcony repairs advice when water paths are related.
Fixing a leaking shower without removing tiles
Yes, certain leaks can be repaired without tile removal when tiles are bonded and the membrane is intact.
We remove the old grout, install new grout, and reseal movement joints, then water-test. This approach repairs your leaking shower quickly, often returning the shower without long downtime. If grout lines are intact but stained, we may clean and seal or change grout colour during re-grouting for a fresh look. If tiles are loose, we explain why leaks without removing tiles are not feasible and propose a rebuild.
When no tile removal is realistic
- Tiles are firm and falls to waste are correct.
- No rapid moisture tracking to adjacent rooms.
- Localised silicone failure around the base or corners.
Shower rejuvenation and makeovers
A targeted shower rejuvenation can refresh the shower and bathroom at a fraction of the cost of a renovation.
We combine grout cleaning, new grout installation, silicone replacement and selective tile replacement to make the shower look good as new. This improves hygiene by removing stained grout and mouldy sealants and reduces the risk of future water leaks. For rentals or sale campaigns, small shower makeovers can lift presentation quickly.
Makeover inclusions vs exclusions
- Inclusions: re-grouting, grout sealing, reseal, minor tile and grout repairs.
- Exclusions: major substrate rebuilds, plumbing reroutes, full bathroom makeovers.
Common questions on leaking shower repairs
Can you fix a leaky shower without removing tiles?
Often, yes. If tiles are sound and the membrane tests well, we remove failed grout and silicone, install new grout and reseal joints. If tiles drum or the membrane leaks, tile removal is the right path.
What is the difference between regrouting and a reseal?
Regrouting replaces grout within the joints; a reseal replaces the silicone at movement junctions. Many repairs combine both to stop leaks within the shower and around the base.
What is the cost of repairing a leaking shower?
Costs vary with size, materials and damage. A simple re-grouting and reseal is less than a rebuild. We assess on site so you avoid costly repairs caused by guesswork.
Can you change grout colour during repairs?
Yes. During re-grouting we can install a new grout in a different colour. For sound cement grout, colour-seal can refresh stained grout after cleaning.
Do you work outside the bathroom and shower area?
If leak paths involve balconies, we can advise on leaking balcony repairs and coordinate with tilers where needed. We also assess adjacent floor tile areas if water has spread.
Where this connects to bathroom waterproofing
Leaking shower repairs sit alongside bathroom waterproofing, tile replacement and leak detection, and the best result comes from aligning them.
If inspection suggests the membrane is at fault, we outline options for opening the area and rebuilding falls to waste in line with wet-area practice. If tiles are sound, regrouting and resealing protect the membrane and buy long service life. For upgrades, we can brief you on grout or tiles, grout colour choices and movement joints.
Ready to repair your leaking shower in Brisbane? Contact our repair team for inspection-led grout repair services and shower sealing. Prefer to start with advice? Ask for a quick call-back and we will talk you through options.
