- Shower waterproofing in Cape Town for new showers, retiles and leaking showers.
- The waterproofing membrane sits under the tiles. Tiles and grout are not waterproof on their own.
- A leaking shower usually means stripping tiles, waterproofing and retiling.
Describe your shower and any leak signs and compare waterproofing quotes in Cape Town.
Compare QuotesSigns the Waterproofing Has Failed
- Damp or bubbling paint on the wall outside the shower.
- Stains on the ceiling below an upstairs shower.
- Loose or hollow shower tiles.
- Musty smell or swollen skirtings and door frames nearby.
- Grout that stays dark long after showering.
Rule out a plumbing leak first. A leaking mixer or pipe inside the wall shows the same signs.
Waterproofing Systems
| System | How it works | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid membrane | Brushed or rolled on in coats | Most common. Thickness and cure time matter |
| Sheet membrane | Bonded sheets with sealed overlaps | Consistent thickness |
| Cementitious slurry | Flexible cement-based coating | Often used in showers and wet floors |
The tile adhesive must be compatible with the membrane. Use products from one system where possible.
Joints, Drains and Falls
- Corners and junctions are reinforced with tape or fabric. This is where most failures start.
- Pipe penetrations for mixers and shower roses need sealing collars.
- Drains must connect to the membrane with a suitable flange or a linear drain designed for it.
- Falls to the drain are formed in the screed before waterproofing, so water does not pond.
- Height. The membrane runs up the walls above the shower rose height, and out past the shower opening.
Preparation and Process
- Strip tiles and loose plaster or screed.
- Repair the base and form falls with a screed.
- Prime as the system requires.
- Reinforce corners, junctions, pipes and drain.
- Apply the membrane to the specified thickness.
- Let it cure, and flood test where possible.
- Tile with a compatible adhesive.
Shower Waterproofing Prices
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Shower waterproofing membrane, per shower | R2,000 - R4,500 |
| Waterproofing, per m² | R70 - R500 |
| Shower retile with waterproofing | R12,000 - R25,000 |
| Tile removal, per m² | R50 - R150 |
Ballpark figures, not quotations. Indicative 2026 ranges, rounded, from published South African tiling cost guides, checked October 2026. Most sources are national or Gauteng-based, so Cape Town quotes can differ. Sources do not always say whether VAT is included, so confirm VAT on every quote. Sources and what each range includes are listed on Tiling Prices Cape Town.
Get prices for your actual job rather than a range. Free, with no obligation to appoint anyone.
Compare QuotesWhat Affects Your Quote
- New shower or leak repair with stripping.
- Shower size, niches and benches.
- Drain type and whether falls must be rebuilt.
- Membrane system and number of coats.
- Plumbing work needed.
Waterproofing is part of most bathroom tiling jobs. Compare quotes through Tiling Cape Town.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a shower be waterproofed without removing the tiles?
Surface sealers exist, but they do not replace a membrane under the tiles. A lasting fix normally means stripping and retiling.
Will regrouting stop a leak?
Rarely. See tile regrouting for what it can and cannot fix.
How long must the membrane cure before tiling?
It depends on the product, from hours to a day or more per coat. Ask the contractor which product they use and its cure time.
Does my insurance cover a leaking shower?
Policies differ. Many cover resulting damage but not the cause. Check with your insurer before work starts.
What is a flood test?
Plugging the drain and holding water on the waterproofed floor for a period to check for leaks before tiling.
Related Services
Tiling Cape Town is a free quote-comparison service. Tiling work is assessed, quoted and carried out by independent tiling contractors, and your agreement is with the contractor you appoint. Ask each one for a written, itemised quote, what is and is not included, any guarantee and the payment terms before paying anything.
Shower Waterproofing Cape Town. Describe your shower once and compare waterproofing quotes.
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