Do I need waterproofing for bathroom that just has a bath?

LorenClayton

Hello

I have a tiny, 40 year old house with a leaking shower. I am replacing the shower with a 1200 cm freestanding acrylic bath with overflow. In order to do this I will have to remove the existing basin and replace with a small, corner one. I have no idea whether or not I have waterproofing behind the walls. As the bathroom was recently renovated before I bought the house, I'd assume so but then again. This won't be a shower / bath, just a bath. When it comes time, someone else can worry about the resale aspects. I just want a leak-proof solution that suits me and this seems to be it. I'm hoping that I can get waterproof wall panels that stick over the tiles. There is currently a tile & grout floor and I'd prefer a more, leak proof robust floor. Because I'm saving money not replacing the shower I want the best quality floor, wallproofing etc that doesn't involve ripping out the walls. I'd welcome any advice. Thank you.

MitchellMc

Hi @LorenClayton,

From your description, I don't see anything that immediately suggests you have a waterproofing issue within the bathroom itself.

If the leak you referenced in your previous post was simply occurring under the shower frame and onto the bathroom floor, rather than into a wall cavity or adjoining room, it would actually suggest that the waterproofing system beneath the tiles is likely still doing its job. In a compliant renovation, a waterproofing membrane should have been installed behind the tiles, and if water is being contained and directed back to the floor rather than escaping into the structure, that's generally a positive sign.

It's important to note that tiles and grout are not completely waterproof. Grout is porous and allows some moisture to pass through over time. That's normal and is exactly why the waterproofing membrane behind the tiles exists. It captures that moisture and prevents it from reaching the structure.

Where waterproofing becomes a concern is when tiles are removed. If wall tiles need to come off, the waterproofing membrane is typically damaged and must be reinstated. This is not a small job and, in some cases, can result in extensive retiling to achieve a compliant waterproofing system again.

Given that you're planning to remove the shower and install a freestanding bath, the existing waterproofing may remain perfectly adequate if the tiles and membrane beneath are not damaged during the process. In that scenario, there may be little additional waterproofing work required.

A leak under a shower frame, while certainly frustrating, is often considered a relatively minor issue and can frequently be resolved by correctly sealing the frame to the tiled surface.

If your goal is to create a more water-resistant and low-maintenance finish, I'd first consider sealing the existing grout lines. This can reduce moisture absorption and make cleaning easier. There's no particular need to install wall panels over the tiles unless you prefer the appearance or reduced maintenance they offer.

Have you had a professional take a look at the frame to see what can be done to seal it and prevent your current leak? In some cases, this can be a quick and simple job using wet-area silicone. If you can show us some detailed pictures of the corners that are leaking, on the inside and outside, minus the tape, then I can advise on where you need to seal.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell