- A leaking shower usually means the waterproof membrane under the tiles has failed, or was never installed properly.
- Water spreads into walls, floors and rooms next door long before it is obvious.
- Regrouting or new silicone may stop a surface leak, but does not fix a failed membrane.
- Describe the problem once and compare quotes from contractors across Cape Town.
Tell us about the problem and compare quotes from shower waterproofing specialists in Cape Town.
Compare QuotesSigns of a Leaking Shower
- Damp, stains or bubbling paint on the other side of the shower wall.
- Loose, hollow or cracked tiles.
- Mould in grout and silicone that keeps coming back.
- Stains on the ceiling below an upstairs shower.
- Swollen skirtings, cupboards or door frames near the bathroom.
Causes and What the Assessment Should Establish
- Whether water comes from the membrane, the waste, the mixer or supply pipes.
- Condition of junctions: floor to wall, around the drain and at the hob or screen.
- Whether the floor falls properly to the drain.
- How far moisture has spread into walls and floors.
A plumber may need to rule out pipe leaks first, often with a pressure test.
Repair Options and Their Limits
| Option | When it is used | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Regrout and replace silicone | Surface leaks with an intact membrane | Does not fix membrane failure |
| Clear penetrating sealer on tiles and grout | Minor seepage through grout | Short-term; needs reapplying |
| Strip out, new membrane and retile | Failed or missing membrane | Bathroom out of use for a while |
| Waterproofing during a bathroom renovation | Full refit planned anyway | Only cost-effective when tiles come off |
What the Work May Include
- Removing tiles, screed and damaged board.
- Correcting floor falls and fitting a proper waste connection.
- Applying a liquid or sheet membrane with reinforced corners and junctions.
- A flood test before retiling.
- Retiling, grouting, sealing, and repairing damage in surrounding walls.
Shower Waterproofing Prices in Cape Town
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Regrout and silicone renewal, per shower | R1,500 - R4,000 |
| Waterproofing within a bathroom renovation | R3,000 - R8,000 |
| Strip, new membrane, flood test and retile, per shower | R12,000 - R25,000 |
| Liquid membrane only, per m² | R200 - R500 |
Ballpark figures, not quotations. Indicative 2026 ranges, rounded, from published South African damp-proofing, waterproofing and plastering price guides (Cape Town and Western Cape guides where available, national and Gauteng guides otherwise), checked October 2026. Per-metre prices are per linear metre of wall unless stated. Some include VAT and some do not, so confirm VAT on every quote. A site assessment and a written quote set the actual price.
What changes the price
- Shower size, walk-in or enclosed.
- Tiles chosen and whether old tiles can be matched.
- Plumbing changes and floor screed work.
- Repairs to damaged walls, ceilings or cupboards nearby.
Getting Shower Waterproofing Quotes
Say where the damp shows, which floor the bathroom is on and add photos. Compare quotes through Damp Proofing Cape Town.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will new grout stop my shower leaking?
Only if the leak is through the grout. If the membrane has failed, water still gets through.
Can a shower be waterproofed without removing tiles?
Clear sealers can help with minor seepage. A failed membrane needs the tiles off.
How long does a shower redo take?
Often about a week, including membrane curing and a flood test, depending on the size and tiles.
What is a flood test?
The shower floor is filled with water for a set period before tiling to prove the membrane holds.
Who fixes the damage next door?
Ask for plaster and paint repairs to be included in the quote, or quoted separately.
Related Pages
Damp Proofing Cape Town is a free quote-comparison service. Damp is inspected, quoted and repaired by independent damp proofing contractors, and your agreement is with the contractor you appoint. Ask each one for a written, itemised quote, what is and is not included, guarantee terms and payment terms before paying anything.
Shower Waterproofing Cape Town. Describe the leak once and compare shower waterproofing quotes.
Compare QuotesCompare Shower Waterproofing Quotes
Client Reviews
Powered by leaderr
