Showers, ensuites and the water you cannot see on inspection day
What a visual inspection can and cannot tell you about wet areas.
In short: Shower falls, missing hobs, efflorescence and stains recorded on established homes.
The limits
A pre-purchase inspection is visual. It does not lift tiles or test membranes, so it reads the signs instead.
Falls
An ensuite shower floor not falling to the waste leaves water lying in the recess. We check with a level.
Containment
Open showers without a hob or step-down need careful design to keep water in.
Signs of leaks
Ceiling stains, efflorescence on tiles and grout breakdown point to water moving where it should not.
Next steps
Where signs are present, we recommend investigation by a plumber or waterproofer before you commit.
Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Gables. Licensed building practitioners, NSW Fair Trading licence 366177C.
