Why leaking tiled showers are a big deal

• Small leaks = big problems – those drips and damp patches might look minor, but letting water seep into the structure of your home wears away the foundation and sets the stage for mould and mildew.
• Common in New Zealand – poor workmanship, design flaws, inadequate waterproofing, bad drainage or cheap adhesives are all factors that make tiled showers leak across the country.
• Costly if ignored – a leaking tiled shower can cause serious structural damage; ignoring it can result in repair bills in the tens of thousands and often a complete rip‑out and redo.

Signs your tiled shower is leaking

Spotting leaks early means you avoid expensive repairs. Look out for:

• Persistent dampness around the shower or unexplained wet patches.
• Musty, mouldy odours or visible mould growth around grout lines or on walls.
• Loose or cracked tiles, missing grout or swollen skirtings.
• Water stains or discolouration on nearby walls and ceilings.
• Decreased water pressure or a leaky shower head.

If you notice any of these signs, call the experts. Early detection stops water from weakening your home’s structural elements and prevents mould growth.

What causes a tiled shower to leak?

• Plumbing issues – cracked or worn pipes, loose connections or degraded fixtures let water escape.
• Worn‑out sealant and caulking – caulk around faucets, joints and shower pans shrinks and cracks over time.
• Missing or damaged grout and tiles – grout is porous and weakens with constant moisture; broken tiles provide channels for water to seep through.
• Shower door or curtain leaks – damaged doors and curtains allow water to run out of the shower.
• Failed waterproofing membranes – the membrane beneath the tiles breaks down, often due to natural wear, poor installation or lack of maintenance.
• High‑flow showerheads and house settling can add stress and create cracks in grout lines.

In the Greater Wellington region, many leaking showers are due to poor tiling practices or cheap adhesives that fail in our damp climate.

Consequences of ignoring a leak

• Structural damage – water seeping into foundations, walls, and subfloors weakens the structure and leads to expensive repairs.
• Mould and mildew growth – dampness encourages fungi that harm indoor air quality and pose health risks.
• Higher repair bills – what starts as a minor fix can turn into a major renovation if leaks persist.
• Decreased property value – buyers avoid homes with a history of water damage.
• Energy inefficiency & health concerns – leaks strain your water heater and increase energy bills ; mould spores can trigger allergies and respiratory problems.

Our leak‑free shower solution

Bathroom Renovators (a Wellington‑based team) specialises in transforming leaking tiled showers into watertight, stylish spaces. Here’s our process:

1. Free consultation – we inspect your bathroom, identify the root cause of the leak and discuss options that suit your needs and budget.
2. Strip‑out & assessment – we carefully remove existing tiles, grout, and the shower base to expose the framing and plumbing. Any rotten wood or water damage is repaired.
3. Rebuild & waterproof – we install durable waterproof backer boards and a custom shower pan with an integrated tile flange. High‑quality waterproof membranes are laid over walls and floors to meet or exceed New Zealand standards.
4. Update plumbing & fixtures – if the leak stems from the plumbing, we replace faulty pipes, valves, and fixtures. We can also install low‑flow shower heads to reduce water pressure issues.
5. Retiling & finishing – choose from a wide range of modern tiles. We tile the walls and floor with precision, using premium adhesives and grout for a long‑lasting seal.
6. Testing & guarantee – before handing over your new shower, we thoroughly test for leaks. Our workmanship warranty (up to five years) gives you peace of mind.

You’ll have a beautiful, leak‑free shower that lasts, increases your home’s value and provides a healthier environment. We handle building consent requirements for tiled showers and wet rooms when necessary.

Service area: Greater Wellington

We service homeowners across the Greater Wellington region, including:

• Wellington City – from Seatoun to Karori.
• Lower Hutt & Upper Hutt – Petone, Wainuiomata, Silverstream and surrounding suburbs.
• Porirua – Whitby, Tawa and the wider Porirua basin.
• Kāpiti Coast – Paekākāriki to Ōtaki.
• Wairarapa – Masterton, Greytown and neighbouring towns.

If you’re outside these areas, give us a call; we may still be able to help.

FAQs

Do I need council consent to replace my shower?

If you’re installing a tiled shower where there wasn’t one before or increasing the number of sanitary fixtures, the council usually requires consent. We handle all consent applications and can advise if an exemption applies.

How much does it cost?

Costs depend on the size of the shower, the extent of water damage, tile selection and whether plumbing requires upgrading. We provide a fixed‑price quote after the initial consultation so you know exactly what to budget for.

What if my shower only has a small leak?

Don’t wait. Even a small leak can lead to structural damage, mould growth and bigger repair bills. Early intervention is always cheaper and safer than a complete rebuild.

Ready to stop the leaks?

Leaking tiled showers are a common issue in Greater Wellington, but you don’t have to live with them. Contact Bathroom Renovators today for a free consultation, a fixed‑price quote and expert advice on creating a leak‑free, stylish shower. Your home – and your peace of mind – are worth it.

Contact Details

Freephone: 0800 845 377
Mobile: 021 689 856 (Andrew Gray)
Email: [email protected]

Physical address:

• 7 Paretai Grove, Waikanae, Kapiti
• 205 Darlington Rd, Miramar, Wellington

Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm

Consultation Hours: Weekdays 8 am to 8 pm, Saturdays 9 am to 5 pm