Leaking Shower Repair Sydney: Signs, Fixes and 2026 Costs

The short answer

A leaking shower is usually caused by failed grout or silicone, a damaged waterproof membrane under the tiles, or a leaking pipe or tap behind the wall. A regrout and reseal is the cheaper fix, with Airtasker's national regrouting price data (October 2026) showing about $280 to $640 per job, but it only works if the membrane underneath is still sound. If the membrane has failed, the shower usually needs to be stripped and re-waterproofed, which costs much more.

The key is to find the cause first. Paying for the wrong fix can cost you twice.

Signs your shower is leaking

Look for these warning signs in and around the bathroom:

• Cracked, missing or crumbling grout between tiles.
• Mouldy, peeling or gapped silicone in corners and around the shower base.
• Loose or hollow-sounding (drummy) tiles.
• A musty smell that does not go away after cleaning.
• Mould, damp patches or bubbling paint on walls outside the shower.
• Swollen, stained or rotting skirting boards, door frames or vanity cabinets.
• Water stains on a ceiling below an upstairs bathroom.
• Damp carpet or lifting floorboards in the next room.
• White powder (efflorescence) on grout or tiles.

Find the cause before choosing a fix

Shower leaks usually come from one of three places:

• The surface: grout and silicone have worn or cracked and let water in behind the tiles.
• The membrane: the waterproof layer under the tiles has failed, cracked or was never installed properly.
• The plumbing: a tap, mixer, pipe or waste outlet is leaking inside the wall or floor.

A licensed plumber can test whether pipes and fittings are leaking. A waterproofing specialist can look at the grout, silicone and tiles and use moisture readings to find wet areas. Ask what tests they used and what they found, in writing.

Regrout or re-waterproof?

A regrout and reseal removes old grout and silicone and replaces it. It can stop leaks caused by worn surface joints. It is quicker, cheaper and does not need tiles removed.

But grout is not a waterproof layer on its own. If the membrane under the tiles has failed, new grout or a sealer may hide the problem for a while without fixing it.

A regrout may suit you if:

• The tiles are firm and not drummy.
• Damage is limited to the grout and silicone.
• Plumbing has been checked and is not leaking.

Re-waterproofing is likely needed if:

• Tiles are loose or drummy across the floor or walls.
• Water damage keeps coming back after a regrout.
• Framing, walls or floors outside the shower are badly damaged.

Re-waterproofing usually means removing the tiles, fixing any damage, laying a new membrane, testing it and re-tiling.

Indicative costs (October 2026)

These are indicative figures from published guides, not quotes:

• Regrouting: Airtasker's national price data shows a range of about $280 to $640 per job, with a median of about $449 (updated 5 October 2026). This covers regrouting jobs generally, not only showers.
• Waterproofing wet areas: $35 to $80 per m², with about $55 typical, as a component rate (What's The Damage tiling guide, October 2026).
• Removing existing tiles: $20 to $55 per m², with about $35 typical (What's The Damage tiling guide).
• Waterproofing as part of a full Sydney bathroom renovation: about $805 to $4,025 (What's The Damage Sydney bathroom guide).

We did not find a reliable published Sydney price for a shower-only strip-out and rebuild. That cost depends on tiles, screed, plumbing, and any repairs to damaged walls or floors. Ask for itemised quotes.

What drives the cost

• The cause of the leak and how long it has been going on.
• Whether tiles must be removed, and the size of the shower.
• Damage to framing, plasterboard, floors or the room next door.
• Plumbing repairs to taps, mixers or wastes.
• Your choice of new tiles if the shower is rebuilt.
• Apartment access, lift bookings and strata requirements.

What to check in a quote

• What was tested, and what cause was found.
• Exactly what work is included: grout, silicone, tile removal, membrane, screed, re-tiling.
• The membrane product and the standard it will meet. Waterproofing in wet areas must meet the National Construction Code, often using Australian Standard AS 3740.
• Whether plumbing, repairs to damaged walls and waste removal are included.
• How long the shower will be out of use.
• Written warranties for products and workmanship.

NSW rules that apply

• Waterproofing work worth more than $5,000 in labour and materials (including GST) needs a contractor with a waterproofing licence.
• Plumbing work needs a licensed plumber at any value.
• Work over $5,000 needs a written contract. The deposit cannot be more than 10%.
• For work over $20,000, the builder must give you a Home Building Compensation certificate before taking any money.

In an apartment, speak to your strata manager before work starts. Leaks can affect other lots and common property, and your by-laws may set rules for the work.

Do not wait too long. Ongoing leaks can damage timber, encourage mould and spread to other rooms. Check your home insurance policy too, as cover for slow leaks varies.

Questions to ask your tradie

• What do you think is causing the leak, and how did you test for it?
• Will a regrout fix it, or does the membrane need replacing? Why?
• What is your licence number, and does it include waterproofing?
• Which membrane will you use, and how will you test it before tiling?
• What warranty do you give, and what does it cover?
• What happens if you find hidden damage once tiles are removed?

Get your shower leak checked

If you think your shower is leaking, describe the signs to MyTradeCrew. Photos of the grout, tiles and any damage nearby can help. We will try to match you with vetted, licensed and insured local waterproofing and bathroom trades who can inspect and quote.

Frequently asked questions