Waterproofing — Bathrooms, Balconies & Wet Areas
Mel One undertakes shower, bathroom and balcony waterproofing work in Brisbane, including removing tiles, preparing and repairing the exposed surface, installing a suitable waterproofing system and retiling. We also handle related tiling and repair work. The repair starts with assessing the leak and existing condition so the quote covers the stages your property needs.
What's included
Send the job details if the required work is not listed so the team can confirm whether it fits the current service scope.
- Shower and bathroom waterproofing replacement
- Balcony tile removal, waterproofing and retiling
- Removal of agreed tiles and existing finishes
- Substrate assessment, preparation and repairs
- Waterproofing around joints, outlets and penetrations
- Replacement tiles, grouting and finishing
A leaking shower or balcony: what needs repair?
Describe where water appears: beside the shower, in the adjoining room, at a balcony doorway or on the ceiling below. Tell us whether it follows shower use, cleaning or rain, and whether the area has been repaired before. These details help plan the inspection; the visible stain alone does not identify the leak source.
We assess the affected area and the work needed to reach it. Plumbing leaks, failed waterproofing and damaged surface joints can require different repairs, so related plumbing work is included in the plan where needed.
Shower repairs: remove tiles, waterproof and retile
For a shower requiring waterproofing replacement, the work can cover removing the agreed tiles and finishes, assessing the exposed backing, repairing and preparing the substrate, installing the waterproofing system and laying replacement tiles. Grouting, sealant joints and refitting affected items are included as agreed.
The quote should identify the floor and wall areas being opened, the tiles to be replaced and any shower screen, vanity or plumbing fittings that need removal and reinstatement. Damage revealed after tile removal is discussed before additional work proceeds.
Balcony waterproofing and tile replacement
Mel One undertakes balcony tile removal, waterproofing replacement and retiling. Assessment includes the existing surface, drainage outlets, edges and door junctions relevant to the leak. The condition beneath the tiles helps determine preparation and any repair work before the new system is applied.
Tell us about the space below the balcony, access through the property and whether building-management arrangements are needed. Agree the tile supply, removal of waste, affected adjoining finishes and when the balcony must remain out of use.
When is grout or sealant work appropriate?
Grout and sealant maintenance can address suitable surface-joint issues. It does not replace an underlying membrane that has failed. After assessment, the proposed repair explains whether surface work is suitable or tiles need to be removed to reach the waterproofing.
If you need tiling rather than a waterproofing replacement, describe the surface, area and whether you already have tiles. Mel One also undertakes tile replacement and tiling work as a separately defined scope.
Materials, curing and returning the area to use
The selected system determines preparation, application intervals and curing before tiling and use. The schedule accounts for those requirements and the site conditions. For an occupied home, discuss bathroom availability and access during the work.
Before booking, the written scope identifies the responsible contractor, removal and preparation, the waterproofing and tiling stages, product supply and the job records to be provided. Regulated work is assigned to the appropriately licensed trade.
Information for a waterproofing enquiry
- Give the suburb and identify the bathroom, shower, balcony or other affected area.
- Describe the visible issue and when it occurs; include safe wide and detail photographs.
- Share previous repair records or product information if available.
- State whether the property is occupied and whether access to neighbouring or lower areas may be needed.
Decisions to make before agreeing the repair
Only one tile is chipped and I have no matching spare: can I avoid replacing a larger area?
A small chip in an otherwise sound, firmly fixed tile may suit a cosmetic fill if a repair product is suitable for that tile and its location. It can reduce the visible blemish, but the colour, sheen and texture may still differ. Filler does not restore a cracked, moving or poorly supported tile, and a cosmetic patch is not a repair to waterproofing beneath it.
If the tile needs replacing, first check the maker or any leftover stock for a suitable match. Without one, the choices can include an agreed near-match, a deliberate contrasting replacement or a wider finish area if that is acceptable and technically practical. Check the actual sample and its thickness, dimensions and suitability for floor, wall or wet-area use before buying; a similar online colour is not enough.
We discuss the tile-removal and reinstatement scope before work. In a shower or balcony, removing a tile can disturb the waterproofing, so the condition and compatible reinstatement of that layer affect whether a single-tile job remains practical. Costs can include careful removal, adhesive and grout preparation, tile sourcing/cutting, any substrate or waterproofing repair and return visits for curing. Send a wide view showing where the tile sits, a close-up with approximate chip size, whether it feels loose or has a continuing crack, and any tile box or spare-tile details. Avoid lifting it to investigate.
Repair questions and useful guides
Understand the possible causes, repair choices and details to send before discussing the work with us.
Why is my shower still leaking after regrouting?
New grout may leave the original source unresolved. We distinguish joints and screen details from plumbing and concealed waterproofing before agreeing a repair.
Why does my balcony leak into the room below when it rains?
Rain-related leakage may involve outlets, thresholds, edges or concealed waterproofing. The assessment determines whether a local repair or opening the affected layers is appropriate.
Related services
Often paired with this job: Plumbing issues and water sources, Related surface and timber repairs.
Waterproofing — Bathrooms, Balconies & Wet Areas in Brisbane — common questions
Straight answers to the questions Brisbane homeowners ask most often before booking this job.
Can you remove shower tiles, redo waterproofing and retile?+
Yes. Mel One undertakes this full repair sequence, including agreed tile removal, substrate assessment and preparation, waterproofing and replacement tiling. The quote identifies the affected floor and wall areas, related fittings and any additional repairs needed.
Do you also waterproof and retile balconies?+
Yes. Balcony work includes tile removal, preparation, waterproofing replacement and retiling. The existing surface, outlets, door junctions, adjoining areas and access are assessed to define the work.
Will new grout or sealant fix every shower leak?+
No. Surface-joint maintenance and replacement of a failed underlying membrane are different repairs. The assessment determines whether surface work is suitable or tiles need to be removed to reach the waterproofing.
Can I provide the replacement tiles?+
Yes. Send the tile details and the area to be tiled before the quote is finalised. Suitability, quantity, layout, preparation and supply of the other materials are agreed for the job.
How long will the shower or balcony be out of use?+
The schedule depends on removal and repairs, the selected waterproofing system, curing, tiling and site conditions. Discuss access and bathroom availability before booking; the team confirms the stages and when the area can return to use.
Other services
Plumbing — Indoor & Outdoor
Brisbane plumbing enquiries for leaks, taps, toilets, hot water and outdoor pipework, with licensed responsibility confirmed for accepted regulated work.
Electrical — Indoor & Outdoor
Brisbane electrical enquiries for lights, power points, fans, faults and outdoor installations, with licensed responsibility confirmed for the accepted work.
General Handyman & Carpentry
A door that sticks, a loose fitting, damaged timber, a hole in the wall or a shelf that needs installing.
Need help with a
handyman repair?
Call or send an online enquiry with the job details, suburb and available photos.