Done once, signed off, and covered for 10 years.
Failed waterproofing is the most expensive bathroom problem you can have. We match you with Adelaide waterproofers who are licensed, certified to AS 3740, and back their work for a decade.
Typical spend
$0.0k
Range
$2k – $5k
Duration
1–3 days
Waterproofing project — typical spend $2.6k, 0-week average build
About Bathroom Waterproofing
Bathroom waterproofing is the single most important step in any renovation. Done well, you forget about it for 25 years. Done badly, you are tearing up a finished bathroom two years in to repair hidden damage that is still growing.
Australian Standard AS 3740 specifies exactly how a domestic wet area must be waterproofed. The standard covers membrane coverage (shower walls to 1.8m minimum, floor 100% including 150mm up the wall at the shower), bond breakers at junctions, flange detailing around tap breakthroughs, and the qualifications of the person applying the membrane.
The most expensive mistake Adelaide homeowners make is letting an unlicensed builder apply the membrane. It costs you two ways: firstly, the council will not issue a compliance certificate, which blocks the rest of the renovation. Secondly, if a leak ever develops, your insurance claim is likely to be denied because there is no certificate. Licensed waterproofers in South Australia carry Certificate II Waterproofing from TAFE SA or equivalent.
Our network waterproofers use one of three proven membrane systems: Dunlop Solid Wet Area, Davco K10 Pro, or Ardex WPM 155. Each is a two-coat liquid-applied system with a 10-year manufacturer warranty. The workmanship warranty from the installer sits on top. Always ask for both certificates in writing before tiling begins.
Common situations our network handles.
Recognise any of these?
- Damp patches are appearing on the wall next to the shower or the ceiling below it.
- You are renovating and your current builder has offered to do the waterproofing themselves without a licence.
- The sale of the house is conditional on a waterproofing certificate you do not have.
- You want to extend a house warranty claim but the previous waterproofer cannot be found.
Here is what we do about it.
- Strip existing tiles and linings, substrate preparation, primer application.
- Two-coat liquid-applied membrane (Dunlop, Davco, or Ardex systems) to AS 3740 standards.
- Bond breakers at floor/wall junctions, wet area perimeter, and shower step-downs.
- Certificate of compliance issued by the licensed waterproofer, valid 10 years.
A recent transformation from the network.
A visual sample of this speciality.
Bathroom Waterproofing: your questions.
What is AS 3740 and does my bathroom need to comply?
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AS 3740 is the Australian Standard for Waterproofing of Domestic Wet Areas. Every new or renovated bathroom in Australia must comply. Without a certificate of compliance, you cannot legally tile, the council will not sign off, and insurance claims can be denied.
How much does bathroom waterproofing cost in Adelaide?
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Most residential bathroom waterproofing in Adelaide costs between $1,800 and $3,500. Price depends on the area (main bathroom or ensuite), the number of wet zones, whether substrate repairs are needed, and whether the work is isolated or part of a full renovation.
How long does waterproofing take?
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The application itself is one day, but the membrane needs to cure for 48 to 72 hours before tiling can start. Your licensed waterproofer will issue the certificate after the inspection that occurs before tiling.
What does the 10-year warranty cover?
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The manufacturer warranty covers the membrane product itself for 10 years. The workmanship warranty from the licensed waterproofer typically runs 6 to 7 years under South Australian residential building legislation. Together they give full coverage.
Three Waterproofing quotes, free.
Tell us about your project. We match you with three Adelaide renovators who specialise in waterproofing work.
Related services
Get 3 waterproofing quotes from Adelaide's network
Fixed-price, line-itemised, within 24 hours. You choose which renovator wins the job. The service is free.