Many people believe the only way to fix a leaking shower is to rip out the tiles and go through a lengthy, expensive re-membraning process. Sometimes that's true: for a fully failed membrane, it's the honest fix. But for most leaking showers it isn't necessary, and some outfits recommend full waterproofing for every leak when a far less disruptive repair would do the job.
Here are your three real options, what each involves, and how to pick.
Option 1: The DIY sealing kit
Hardware stores sell shower sealing kits promising great results at a low price. The pitfalls are real: DIY products often fail to bond properly to existing grout and tile joints, so they look fine at first while moisture keeps moving underneath. Surface preparation is fiddly, coverage is easy to get wrong, and a leak that isn't properly fixed keeps causing damage, which means the "cheap" option can end up the most expensive one.
If you're an experienced DIYer and the problem is a single, obvious, accessible joint, it may hold for a while. For anything more, the risk usually isn't worth it.
Option 2: Professional shower sealing (no tiles removed)
This is the right call for most leaking showers: the ones caused by failed grout, seals and surface junctions rather than plumbing or a destroyed membrane.
What actually happens:
- A technician assesses the shower and checks for water concealed behind the tiles
- Existing grout and failed sealant are removed
- The shower is regrouted: where the screen meets the walls, around the hob, and along the wall angles
- The tiles are cleaned and a penetrating sealant is applied over tiles and grout
The sealant absorbs into the tiles and grout to a depth of up to 9mm, forming a watertight seal that's flexible enough to cope with normal building movement. It doesn't change the appearance of your tiles or leave a film, it inhibits mould growth, and grout colours can be matched to your bathroom. The whole job is typically completed in a few hours, and the shower is ready to use again after 24.
Why it beats DIY: proper surface preparation, professional-grade materials, and every vulnerable joint and junction treated, not just the one you noticed. And because there's no demolition, it costs a fraction of Option 3.
Option 3: Full re-waterproofing and re-tiling
The most extensive fix: tiles come up, the failed membrane underneath is replaced, and the area is re-tiled. Your bathroom is out of action for days rather than hours, and the cost is several times that of sealing.
Sometimes it's genuinely the right answer: a membrane that has fully broken down can't be fixed from the surface. The key is that it should be a diagnosis, not a default. If the membrane is the problem, re-waterproofing done properly is worth every cent; if it isn't, you've paid for a renovation you didn't need.
The comparison at a glance
| DIY kit | Professional sealing | Full re-waterproofing | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | One obvious accessible joint | Failed grout, seals, junctions (most leaks) | Fully failed membrane |
| Time | An afternoon | A few hours, use in 24 hrs | Several days |
| Tiles removed | No | No | Yes |
| Cost | Low upfront, high if it fails | Moderate | High |
| Risk | Leak continues underneath | Low, professionally assessed first | Low, but often unnecessary |
How to choose
Get the shower properly assessed before committing to anything. A good assessment checks for water concealed behind tiles and tells you which category your leak is in, and if the source isn't clear, leak detection (dye testing, thermal imaging, pressure testing) settles it with evidence instead of opinion. Be wary of anyone who recommends full waterproofing without explaining why sealing won't work for your shower.
Skip the demolition. SmartSealed has sealed leaking showers across Greater Sydney for 30+ years, without removing a single tile. SMS a photo to 0419 988 499 for a free quote.