Your shower is one of the most used rooms in your home and, over time, the shower base can start to show its age. Cracks, chips, and discolouration can make your shower look dingy and outdated. But before you rush to replace your shower base, consider reaching out to a shower repair handyman.

Step into the world of shower repairs and learn:

• What a shower repair handyman can do
• The most common issues needing shower repairs
• How much it costs to hire a shower repair handyman
• How to hire a trusted shower repair handyman
• Licensing requirements for shower repair handymen
• Benefits of using shower repair handymen
• How to get quotes for shower repair handymen

What does a shower repair handyman do?

Handymen can perform a variety of tasks, including:

• Fixing leaky taps and showerheads
• Repairing cracked or damaged shower bases and tiles
• Replacing shower doors and enclosures
• Installing new shower fixtures and accessories
• Caulking and sealing showers to prevent leaks
• Troubleshooting and repairing shower drainage problems.

Common issues for shower repair handymen

Shower repair tradies are well-versed in handling a variety of bathroom issues. Among the most common is the pesky blocked shower drain, typically caused by a buildup of hair and soap scum. Neglecting this issue can escalate into severe drainage problems.

Leaky taps and showerheads also rank high on the list of common concerns, often stemming from loose connections or worn washers. Shower bases can also crack or deteriorate over time due to natural wear and tear.

For more critical problems, like faulty shower doors and subpar caulking and sealing, the stakes are higher. Neglecting these issues can jeopardise the integrity of your shower's watertightness, potentially allowing water to infiltrate the walls and triggering widespread mould growth.

How much does it cost to hire a shower repair handyman?

The specific cost of hiring a handyman will vary depending on the issue in your bathroom space and the complexity of the job.

Generally, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300 per hour for these services. This cost will increase, however, if you require:

• Grout to be removed
• New tiles
• New grouting
• Corners caulked
• New shower screen
• Installation of any new parts.

Read more: How much does a new shower screen cost?

How to hire a reliable shower repair handyman

When seeking a dependable tradie, consider checking reviews on hipages to gauge their reputation.

With a short list of providers at hand, start calling around, asking these essential questions:

• Are you familiar with the specific shower issue I'm facing?
• What's your approach to handling unexpected challenges that may arise during the repair process?
• If my issue requires more work that is out of scope, will you provide a firm cost before beginning work?

As a rule, reach out to a minimum of three tradies for quote comparisons since costs can vary significantly. Additionally, consider sharing photos of the issue and information about the product brands in your bathroom. Shower repair workers are experienced in various brands and common issues and can then better assess the feasibility of a complete repair. They are also then able to provide a more accurate price estimate.

Does a shower repair handyman need to be licensed? 

In Australia, there is no national licensing requirement for handymen. However, some states and territories do require handymen to be licensed for certain types of work.

In New South Wales, a licence is needed for plumbing, drainage or gas work.

Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania don't mandate licensing but require building permits for structural changes.

Benefits of using shower repair handymen

While it might be tempting to tackle a shower problem as a DIY project, this approach is often temporary, can exacerbate the issue, and comes without warranty.

Shower repair handymen offer a number of benefits, including:

• Swiftly and efficiently resolving your shower problem
• Ability to address a wide range of shower issues effectively, even those you don’t foresee
• Offering a more budget-friendly service than replacing the entire shower
• Warranty protection

Getting quotes from shower repair handymen

Start compiling a list of local, reputable tradies by looking through the hipages directory. Ensure you reach out to a number of providers, and identify those who feel at ease fixing the problem you have explained. Be sure to get the quote in writing, ensuring it includes the scope of work, the estimated cost, and the warranty policy.

Once you’ve received quotes from multiple handymen, compare them carefully and choose the one who you feel most comfortable with and who offers the best value for money.

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.