The Silent Peril of Leaking Showers: Know, Repair, Prevent

Leaking showers are one of those stealthy home invaders that operate undercover, leaving devastation in its wake.

Often, the damage is already done when homeowners discover them. But fret not! In this comprehensive guide, we at Whywait Plumbing will walk you through the intricacies of this issue and, more importantly, how to tackle leaking showers.

The Iceberg Effect: What You See vs. What You Don’t

Like an iceberg, what’s visible with a leaking shower is just the tip.

Underneath, there could be extensive damage to floor coverings, wall linings, framing timber, and tile beds.

And if that wasn’t dire enough, these leaks also provide a five-star invitation to unwanted guests: termites. Drawn to the blend of water and timber, these pests can infest your home faster than you can say ‘leaking showers’.

Insurance Woes: When Coverage Isn’t Coverage

Delving into the details of insurance policies can be like navigating a maze. Often, these leaks, seen as wear and tear, don’t get coverage.

Some policies might cover exploratory processes to identify the leak source, but the real kicker? The shower replacement, which is often the priciest part, isn’t covered.

The Detective Work: Tracking Down the Culprit

Here’s where our team at Whywait Plumbing puts on its detective hat. Identifying the source of a leaking shower isn’t straightforward.

It’s not a simple case of ‘whodunit’. Instead, it’s a systematic, sometimes trial-and-error approach involving pressure testing of various components, from water pipes to shower roses.

The Usual Suspects: Common Causes of Leaks

Based on our extensive work on the Gold Coast, we’ve identified a few repeat offenders:

1. Failed Waterproofing: The most common villain is the failure of the shower tray’s waterproofing, which lies beneath the floor tiles. Its job? To stop water from invading the primary structure of your house.
2. Vintage Homes: Homes from yesteryears come with their own set of challenges. For instance, houses from the ’70s and ’80s might have recessed showers, often lacking waterproofing. It’s a ticking time bomb.
3. Rigid Fibreglass: Homes from the late ’80s and ’90s often used fibreglass for waterproofing. But here’s the catch – fibreglass, being too rigid, often failed to stick to concrete or timber. Cue water leaks!
4. The Modern Solution: The good news? Today’s epoxy waterproofing is leagues ahead. Flexible and durable, it moves with the settling house, ensuring a waterproof seal.

Procrastination: The Real Enemy

Suspect you have a leaking shower? Don’t dilly-dally! While the temptation to delay action is strong, especially if the leak seems minor, remember: small leaks grow up to be big problems.

With the advances in repair techniques, many showers can now be fixed without removing tiles. But waiting? That only sets you up for more significant headaches in the future, including structural damages or termite infestations.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

In the battle against leaking showers, knowledge is power. Being proactive, understanding the warning signs, and ensuring prompt repairs are your best weapons.

At Whywait Plumbing, we’re here to partner with you in this journey, ensuring your home remains leak-free and safe. Call us today, and let’s ensure your shower stays watertight!