When water started appearing along the hallway floorboards of a recently renovated North Shore home, the owners feared the worst, and for good reason. Despite two previous repair attempts by other plumbers, the leak kept coming back.
That’s when they called STS Plumbing, known for bathroom leak repairs on the North Shore. What followed was a thorough inspection, accurate diagnosis and long-lasting fix, all without tearing the bathroom apart.
Here’s exactly what we found, what we did, and how we prevented it from ever happening again.
The problem: Water damage that wouldn’t go away
The homeowners had noticed cupping in their hallway floorboards and a musty smell that worsened after long showers. Despite two earlier visits from plumbers, one who re-grouted the shower and another who replaced some sealant, the leak kept returning.
By the time STS Plumbing was called, the water damage was spreading and the owners were worried about mould and structural issues.
Step 1: Finding the source of the leak
Many recurring bathroom leaks in Sydney aren’t obvious on the surface. In this case, the bathroom appeared fine; no cracked tiles, no visible puddles, and a newish renovation just three years prior.
Using specialised tools and experience, our team carried out:
- Moisture mapping along internal walls and floor junctions
- Pressure testing on the shower outlet and waste connections
- A dye test to simulate shower usage and trace water movement
- Inspection under the house (subfloor) for active water trails
The culprit? A small but persistent leak in the shower waste connection. Over time, water was escaping underneath the tiled base, soaking into adjacent timber and flooring.
Step 2: Minimising damage and targeting the fix
Instead of removing the entire shower or ripping up tiles, we took a targeted approach.
- Accessed the leak via the subfloor to avoid unnecessary tile disruption
- Repaired and sealed the leaking waste junction
- Pressure-tested the pipework again to confirm the fix
- Treated moisture-affected timber with anti-mould treatment
This not only reduced cost for the client, it preserved the aesthetics of their renovated bathroom.
Step 3: Preventing future leaks with added protection
To prevent any recurrence, we also addressed the contributing factors:
- Repaired degraded silicone joints around the shower screen
- Reapplied high-grade waterproof grout in high-impact zones
- Installed a shower drain cover with an improved fall for better water flow
We also educated the homeowners on proper ventilation and maintenance, key to avoiding moisture build-up in modern bathrooms.
The result: No more water, no more stress
Within 48 hours of our visit, moisture readings dropped back to safe levels. The floorboards stabilised, the smell disappeared, and best of all, the leak never returned.
The homeowners now book an annual bathroom check-up with us and have referred three neighbours since.
What this case shows
Not all plumbers take the time to investigate a bathroom leak properly. At STS Plumbing, we know that:
- A quick silicone job doesn’t fix pipework issues
- Waterproofing fails when not done correctly
- Accurate diagnosis is the difference between a one-time fix and months of frustration
If you’re dealing with a leaking bathroom in Lane Cove or anywhere on the North Shore, don’t risk it being patched over again
FAQs about bathroom leak repairs
How do I know if my bathroom leak is serious?
If water is showing in adjoining rooms, warping floorboards, or causing musty smells - it’s serious. Even small leaks can lead to major water damage over time.
Do you need to remove tiles to fix a leak?
Not always. We take a minimal-disruption approach whenever possible, accessing the leak from below or behind walls if needed.
Can you repair failed waterproofing?
Yes. We work with qualified waterproofers to repair or reapply failed waterproof membranes, especially in showers.
How much does a bathroom leak repair cost?
It depends on access, cause and whether waterproofing needs to be redone. We always provide a fixed quote after inspection.
Why choose STS Plumbing?
We’re not just plumbers, we’re bathroom leak specialists with a track record of solving difficult and recurring issues across Sydney’s North Shore.
- Experienced in leak detection and waterproofing
- Minimal disruption to your home
- Honest advice, no pushy sales
- Based in Lane Cove; local, licensed and reliable
Got a leak that keeps coming back?
Don’t settle for another band-aid solution. Get your bathroom properly diagnosed and repaired by the team that North Shore homeowners trust. Call STS Plumbing today on 9904 3074 or request a bathroom inspection online.
