If your bathroom leak keeps coming back, even after it’s been “fixed”, you’re not alone. We hear it from homeowners across Sydney’s North Shore every week:
“The last plumber sealed it, but now the water’s back.”
“We’ve re-grouted the shower twice.”
“The smell is gone for a while… then returns.”
Recurring leaks aren’t just frustrating. They damage flooring, promote mould growth, and reduce property value. The real issue? Most repairs only address symptoms, not the source.
Here’s why your last repair probably didn’t work and what STS Plumbing does differently to solve it for good.
1. Surface fixes don’t stop deeper leaks
Many plumbers or tilers rely on cosmetic fixes:
- Reapplying silicone around the shower screen
- Regrouting tiles
- Using waterproof sealants over grout lines
These can help for minor gaps, but if the leak is coming from within the wall or under the floor, they won’t do a thing.
In fact, these short-term measures often mask the problem and delay proper repair, making things worse over time.
2. No testing = no diagnosis
Most leak repairs that fail have one thing in common:
No proper testing was done before the repair.
A qualified bathroom leak specialist should always:
- Pressure test the outlet and waste pipe
- Use moisture meters to map spread and saturation
- Perform dye tests or flood tests to track water entry
- Inspect underneath the bathroom (via subfloor or ceiling cavity)
Without this process, any “repair” is just guesswork.
3. Waterproofing may have failed, and needs more than a patch
In Sydney homes, especially those with older or poorly built bathrooms, we frequently find:
- Inadequate or missing waterproof membranes
- Waterproofing applied over dusty or uneven surfaces
- Incorrect drainage falls letting water pool
No amount of grout or silicone will fix a failed membrane. If it’s compromised, the right fix may involve:
- Removing tiles
- Re-waterproofing the affected area
- Re-tiling with proper fall to the drain
STS Plumbing works with qualified waterproofers to carry out this work correctly and to code.
4. The leak isn’t in the shower at all
It’s not uncommon for leaks to be wrongly blamed on the shower.
We’ve fixed “bathroom leaks” that were actually caused by:
- A cracked pipe under the vanity
- Failed seals around the toilet waste
- Leaking mixer taps behind tiled walls
- Roof leaks dripping into the cavity
- Poorly sealed bath junctions
Without a thorough inspection, you can’t be sure where the water’s really coming from.
5. Lack of transparency or poor workmanship
Some providers offer “leak repair” as a quick in-and-out service, with no photos, no documentation and no follow-up.
STS Plumbing believes in doing it right:
- We show you the test results
- Provide clear photos of the issue
- Offer options and fixed quotes
- Explain what’s urgent and what can wait
No vague answers. No pressure. Just solutions that work.
A real example: what happened in Lane Cove
A recent client had two plumbers try to fix a leaking shower over 18 months. Each time, the water returned after 4-6 weeks. After calling us, we:
- Carried out moisture testing
- Found a failed waste junction beneath the tiled base
- Accessed it via the subfloor (no tile removal)
- Repaired and pressure-tested the pipe
- Treated the affected area for mould
The result? No more water. No more wasted money.
FAQs: dealing with recurring bathroom leaks
Q: Should I just keep resealing the shower?
A: Only if you’re 100% sure it’s a surface-level issue, and we rarely find that to be the case.
Q: Can STS Plumbing check my waterproofing?
A: Yes. We partner with certified waterproofers and inspect for membrane failure or construction defects.
Q: How soon can you inspect?
A: We offer fast response across the North Shore, including Lane Cove, Willoughby, Mosman, and surrounds.
Why STS Plumbing?
We specialise in leak detection and repair, not just general plumbing. With over 20 years servicing Sydney’s North Shore, we know where to look, what fails, and how to fix it the first time.
- Licensed and fully insured
- Advanced diagnostic tools
- Clear reporting and fixed pricing
- Zero guesswork
Still dealing with a leak? Let’s solve it properly.
If your bathroom leak is making a comeback, don’t keep throwing money at temporary fixes. We’ll find the cause and stop it for good.
Call STS Plumbing on 9904 3074 or book your bathroom inspection online.
