Shower Leak and Waterproofing Repairs in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie

What shower leak repairs in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie actually involves

A breach of warranty that results in a major defect, including one that stops you using part of the building for its intended purpose, is covered for 6 years from completion; any other defect for 2. If a breach becomes apparent within the last 6 months of that period, proceedings may be commenced within a further 6 months after the end of the warranty period. Note the date you first saw the stain, the loose tile or the swelling.

Who actually fixes it

Waterproofing and wall and floor tiling are separate NSW licence categories, and the tiling category covers waterproofing wet areas to get them ready for tiling. If the leak turns out to be a tap or a pipe rather than the membrane, that is plumbing work, licensed at any value.

Before the wall comes apart

The state's own guide estimates that 1 in 3 houses in NSW constructed or renovated between 1945 and 1990 contain asbestos, and names the wall behind tiles. A homeowner can remove less than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos themselves, or a tradesperson on their behalf; removal of more than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos, or any amount of friable asbestos, requires a licensed asbestos removalist, and the government's own example is that 10 m² is the wall sheeting from one small bathroom. If you think it might be asbestos, treat it like it is: stop work, clear the site and get help. The main page covers the licence category.

Look for the date you first saw the stain, and have the wall assessed before tiles come off an older house.

Shower Leak and Waterproofing Repairs in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie — common questions

My shower leaks. How long do I have to make a claim?

If it is a major defect, the statutory warranty runs 6 years from completion; otherwise 2 years. A breach that shows up in the last 6 months of the period gives a further 6 months to start proceedings.

Do I need a licence just to reseal a shower?

Above A$5,000 in labour and materials including GST, waterproofing needs a contractor licence. Below that, the licence rule does not apply to the waterproofing itself, but any plumbing or electrical part of the job still needs a licensed specialist.

What if the wall behind the tiles is asbestos?

Treat it as asbestos: stop work, clear the site and get help. More than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos, or any amount of friable asbestos, needs a licensed removalist.