How a shower actually keeps water out
A tiled shower has two layers of protection:
- The surface: the tiles, the grout between them and the silicone in the corners and junctions. This is the first line of defence and takes the daily soaking.
- The waterproof membrane: a waterproof layer under the tiles, required in Australian wet areas. It's the back-up if water gets past the surface.
When cement grout cracks or silicone peels away, water gets behind the tiles every time you shower. A healthy membrane can hold it for a while, but water sitting behind the tiles leads to mould, loose tiles and, eventually, a leak through to the wall, floor or ceiling.
When regrouting WILL fix the leak
Regrouting and resealing is the right fix when water is getting in through the surface. Typical signs:
- Cracked, crumbling or missing grout, especially around the base and the bottom rows of tiles
- Silicone in the corners or around the base that has peeled, split or gone black underneath
- A damp or stained wall on the other side of the shower that gets worse after showers and dries out when the shower isn't used
- A musty smell that comes and goes with use
- Grout that stays dark and wet long after the shower is turned off
In these cases we remove the old grout and silicone, regrout with Mapei Kerapoxy epoxy grout (non-porous, so water can't soak through it) and reseal every corner and junction. Most showers are done in one day, with no tile removal.
When regrouting WON'T fix the leak
Be wary of anyone who says regrouting fixes every leak. It won't fix:
- A failed waterproof membrane: water is already getting past the membrane, often in older showers or where the membrane was never installed properly. Signs include water damage that continues even after the grout and silicone have been redone, or soft and rotten walls or floor.
- A plumbing leak: a leaking pipe, mixer or shower waste behind the wall or under the floor. Signs include damp that's there even when the shower hasn't been used, or an unexplained jump in your water bill. That's a job for a plumber first.
- Structural problems: lots of loose or cracked tiles across the whole shower, a cracked shower base, or a floor that moves underfoot.
If we see signs of any of these in your photos or on site, we'll tell you before you book. Sometimes a plumber's leak test is the right first step, and we'll say so.
Regrout vs membrane repair vs full rebuild
| Regrout & reseal | Membrane repair / rebuild | |
|---|---|---|
| Fixes | Water getting in through grout and silicone | A failed membrane, rotten walls, structural damage |
| Tiles removed? | No | Usually yes |
| Typical time | Usually one day | Usually 1–3 weeks |
| Typical cost | From $650 + GST (base) or $1,250 + GST (two-wall shower) | Usually many thousands |
| Shower back in use | After 24–48 hours cure | After the rebuild |
For the full comparison, see our guide: Regrout or retile?
Simple checks you can do at home
- Look closely at the grout lines near the base and the bottom two rows of tiles. Cracks, gaps or crumbling mean water can get in.
- Press on the silicone in the corners. If it's loose, split or black underneath, it's failed.
- Tap the tiles near the floor with a knuckle. A hollow ("drummy") sound can mean water has got behind them.
- Check the other side of the wall after a shower, and again after a day without using it. Damp that comes and goes with use points to grout and silicone; damp that's always there points to plumbing.
- If you're not sure, send us 3–4 photos. We'll tell you what it looks like for free.
A real example
In Chadstone, one of Vanessa's two showers was leaking towards the bathroom door and the grout in both was disintegrating. Hervé regrouted both showers with epoxy and resealed them over two visits, so the family always had a working shower. In Vanessa's words: "Two showers now beautifully clean and not leaking! Competitive pricing and super easy to work with!" Read the Chadstone job
In Mentone, a customer told us: "We used the seal guys at our property in mentone to reseal both of our showers with epoxy grout due to a leak that was happening, it has repaired the leak and the showers look amazing!" — Max, Google review
Warranty
10-Year Warranty on eligible epoxy re-grouting work, subject to terms.
FAQs
Can you fix a leaking shower without removing tiles?
Yes, when the water is getting in through the grout and silicone. We remove only the old grout and silicone, regrout with epoxy and reseal. The tiles stay where they are.
How do I know if my shower membrane has failed?
Common signs are water damage that continues after the grout and silicone have been redone, soft or rotten walls or floor, and widespread loose tiles. Send us photos and we'll tell you what we see.
Is it the grout or a leaking pipe?
Damp that comes and goes with showering usually points to grout and silicone. Damp that's there even when the shower isn't used, or a jump in your water bill, points to plumbing. Call a plumber first in that case.
How long does a regrout take?
Most showers are done in one day (4–8 hours). You can use the shower again after 24–48 hours, once the epoxy has cured.
How much does it cost to fix a leaking shower by regrouting?
Will you tell me if regrouting won't work?
Yes. If we see signs of a failed membrane, plumbing or structural problems, we'll tell you before you book.
Send photos for a fixed quote
Send a photo of the whole shower or balcony and a close-up of the grout. We assess the visible condition and explain whether regrouting and resealing are suitable.