CIVIC SHOWER SCREEN WATER LEAK TESTING

Overview

Shower screen water containment performance should be assessed under normal operating conditions and realistic usage scenarios.
   QBCC Standards and Tolerances states
      “Any shower component that allows a fully enclosed shower recess to leak during normal usage is defective.”
Certain frameless and open-entry shower screen configurations may not constitute fully enclosed shower recesses and should be assessed according to intended design and operation.

Normal Usage Conditions

Water leak testing should be carried out under realistic residential use conditions, including:

• Standard domestic water pressure
• Shower directed toward the user and intended showering area
• Normal operation of doors and panels
• Functional drainage and floor falls
• Water directed toward walls and typical user standing locations

Testing Conditions - Not Representative of Normal Usage

The following do not represent realistic operating conditions and are not considered appropriate methods of assessment:

• Deliberately spraying water directly at joins, hinges, clips, seals, or door gaps
• High-pressure spraying directly at clearances or openings
• Deliberately directing water outside intended showering areas
• Incorrect shower head direction or positioning
• Testing methods intended to force water through designed clearances

Frameless and semi-frameless shower screens are designed to provide splash containment under normal use conditions and are not intended to function as pressure-sealed waterproof enclosures.

Waterproofing Responsibility

Civic manufactures and installs shower screen systems only.

Waterproofing systems, floor falls, drainage performance, and associated wet area construction are the responsibility of relevant building trades and specialist contractors.

Shower screen performance should always be assessed in conjunction with the complete bathroom construction.

Reporting Concerns

If any concerns regarding water leakage or shower screen performance arise, please contact Civic immediately so the matter can be assessed promptly.