Why Regrouting Your Shower Is the Smart Way to Fix Leaks and Modernise Your Bathroom
You’ve spotted water pooling outside your shower. You look closer and see that the looks grout damaged. The bathroom has a musty smell and the doors timber frame looks water damaged.
It’s easy to think that the plumbing is to blame—but in most cases, the problem isn’t the pipes. It’s the grout.
In thousands of Australian homes, leaks start when the grout between your tiles begins to crack, crumble or fail. Moisture seeps through, damaging the walls, flooring and structural integrity behind your shower.
That’s where regrouting your shower comes in. It’s one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to stop leaks, eliminate mould and refresh your bathroom without removing a single tile. In most cases, it’s completed in a day—with results that last years.
🚿 Why is my shower leaking, and how does regrouting fix it?
- Cracked or deteriorated grout allows water to seep behind tiles
- Moisture build-up causes mould, damp smells and hidden water damage
- Regrouting removes failed grout and replaces it with waterproof materials
- Fast, clean repairs without removing tiles or doing full renovations
- Seals leaks at the source and restores waterproofing integrity
Contact Leaking Showers Sealed if you notice mouldy grout, damp odours, or leaking water in or around your shower
What Is Shower Regrouting?
Shower regrouting involves removing old or damaged grout from between your shower tiles and replacing the grout it with a modern, waterproof grout compound that seals out moisture and resists mould.
Over time, traditional grout deteriorates. Cracks form. Gaps open. Mould takes hold. Even when your tiles appear intact, failed grout can let water pass behind the scenes—triggering long-term damage to your flooring, cabinetry and wall structures.
Regrouting reverses that. It restores your shower’s waterproof seal, removes embedded mould at its source, and instantly improves the appearance of your tiles—without the cost or disruption of renovation.
Why Regrouting Is the Smartest Way to Repair a Leaking Shower
1. It Stops Water Leaks at the Source
Most shower leaks begin when grout breaks down. This allows water to escape into surrounding walls, under the flooring or into adjoining rooms. Left untreated, this can lead to structural damage, rising damp, and even electrical hazards.
Regrouting eliminates this issue at the source. By stripping out compromised grout and replacing it with flexible, high-performance waterproof grout, we rebuild the barrier that keeps water where it belongs—inside your shower recess.
2. It Refreshes Your Bathroom Without Renovating
Old grout discolours over time. Even in otherwise clean bathrooms, stained or blackened grout lines make the entire room feel unhygienic and outdated. Regrouting delivers a visible transformation—a clean, sharp finish that elevates the look of your shower and tiles.
You’ll retain your existing tiles, avoid demolition, and breathe new life into the space—often within just one day.
3. It Eliminates Mould Growth for Good
Mould thrives in porous, ageing grout. It can’t always be scrubbed away, and most cleaners only remove the visible surface. If black spots return days after cleaning, the problem runs deeper.
Professional regrouting solves the issue by removing the affected grout entirely. We then replace it with mould-resistant grout, designed to repel moisture and prevent future fungal growth. The result is a cleaner, healthier bathroom that stays that way.
4. It Prevents Long-Term Structural Damage
Once water begins leaking behind your tiles, damage escalates quickly. Common outcomes include rotting timbers, bloated cabinetry, peeling paint, swelling skirting boards and persistent musty odours.
Regrouting is a preventative solution. It ensures your waterproofing barrier is functioning correctly—protecting your investment and avoiding thousands in repair costs.
5. It Boosts Property Value
A shower with clean grout and a sealed recess presents as modern and well-maintained. It sends a clear signal to prospective buyers or tenants: this home is looked after.
Regrouting can be a high-return, low-cost improvement, especially if you’re preparing your property for sale or rent. Read about budget bathroom makeovers here.
How to Tell If Your Shower Needs Regrouting
Recognising early signs can save you from major issues. These are the most common indicators that your shower needs professional regrouting:
- Cracked, loose, or missing grout between tiles
- Mould that returns quickly after cleaning
- Damp smells or moisture damage near the shower recess
- Water pooling outside the shower or leaking into nearby rooms
- Bubbling paint, stained walls or soft floorboards
- Tiles that feel unstable or sound hollow when tapped
If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, the waterproofing system in your shower has likely been compromised.
What’s Involved in the Professional Regrouting Process?
At Leaking Showers Sealed, our methodical, proven regrouting process delivers long-term results without needing to remove your existing tiles.
Step 1: Inspection and Leak Diagnosis
We assess the condition of your grout, sealants and tiles using precision tools to identify the root cause of the leak or failure.
Step 2: Grout and Sealant Removal – No Cover Ups
Using specialised equipment, we remove all of the deteriorated grout and any silicone joins—without damaging the surrounding tile work.
Step 3: Deep Surface Clean
All tiles are cleaned to eliminate soap scum, debris and embedded mould spores, ensuring a clean substrate for the new grout.
Step 4: Application of Waterproof Grout
We install high-grade, flexible grout matched to your tile colour. This forms the core of the new waterproofing barrier.
Step 5: Sealing and Protection
Once the grout has cured, we apply a premium sealant to protect the joins and prolong the lifespan of the new finish.
The entire process typically takes less than a day, and your shower is ready for use again within 24 to 48 hours.
Can You Regrout a Shower Yourself?
DIY grout kits exist—but regrouting is more technical than it seems. Without the correct tools and experience, you risk:
- Damaging tiles during grout removal
- Missing hidden areas where leaks continue
- Applying unsuitable products that deteriorate quickly
- Masking deeper water ingress that may worsen over time
A professional regrouting service ensures that your shower is leak-free, sealed, and compliant with Australian building standards—saving you both time and risk.
How Much Does Shower Regrouting Cost?
The cost of regrouting varies depending on:
- Size and layout of the shower recess
- Type and condition of the existing grout
- Whether mould removal or surface repair is required
- Access and ventilation in the bathroom
That said, regrouting is consistently far more affordable than full bathroom renovations or retiling. Most homeowners are surprised at how cost-effective it is to restore their shower’s look and function.
To get an accurate price, we recommend requesting a no-obligation quote and we come and see the shower. At Leaking Showers Sealed, we offer transparent pricing up front with no hidden surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does regrouting take?
Most showers can be fully regrouted in a single day, with a curing period of 24 to 48 hours before the shower is used again.
Will regrouting stop a leak?
Yes—if the leak is caused by failed grout or seals (which is often the case), regrouting will stop water intrusion and restore the waterproofing layer.
How often should I regrout my shower?
Grout typically lasts between 10 and 15 years, depending on moisture exposure and ventilation. Visible mould, cracking, or persistent damp smells are signs it’s time to regrout.
Can I grout over old grout?
No. Grouting over existing grout compromises the bond and doesn’t address the source of leaks. All old grout must be removed before regrouting for the new barrier to perform properly.
Why Choose Leaking Showers Sealed?
- We specialise exclusively in leaking shower repairs and no-tile-removal regrouting
- Our technicians use only industry-leading materials proven to resist moisture and mould
- We offer fast, tidy, same-day service across [insert local area]
- Our work is backed by long-lasting warranties and trusted by hundreds of local homeowners
If your shower is leaking, don’t wait for visible damage to get worse. Regrouting might be the solution you’ve been overlooking—and we’re here to help you get it sealed, clean, and working as it should. Contact us today or call us!
