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How to fix water-damaged shower?

Hey wouldn’t mind some feedback on my plans to fix our ensuite shower…

Background:

we moved into our 80s built house in May last year and immediately had waterproofing issues with the shower. It looked like the previous owners had removed the original shower screen and plonked a new one on top of the plastic shower tray without sealing it, judging by the amount of water that ended up on the floor on the first shower. I applied a fair bit of silicone, which seemed to fix it reasonably well except for the occasional bit that would pool on either side of the screen depending on how the water hit it. 8 months later I finally had enough and ripped all the silicone out to see what was. It turned out the shower tray was lower at the front and the previous owners had “sealed” a right angle metal moulding against the tray to make it flush with the base of the screen 🤬

When we moved in I had a number of tradesmen to give quotes (tilers and a bathroom renovator) and the general consensus was the tray was still in good nick and the wall tiles were good too. We have a limited budget as we have a few higher priority projects so I figured I’d give it a go. My plans were to add a polystyrene shower hob around the tray (I wanted to expand the shower space), apply a waterproofing membrane, tape and tile. I went to Adheseal and got advice I was on the right track. An amendment I made was to remove the wall tiles on either side of where the hob would go so I could apply waterproofing.
Now:

Today I removed the tiles on either side and as I did so my chisel went easily through the gyprock underneath once I got through the grout. Once I got the tile off, the remaining gyprock was so damp it broke apart with minimal pressure. Behind, the wall stud and bottom plate were also damp and rotting. I haven’t taken all the tiles off but I’m thinking that I’ll find similar issues along the shower base and that the previous owners had just siliconed over a previously failed seal. I’ve noticed the start of some mould so I have sprayed the area with mould killer.
Needless to say, my plans have changed.
Next Steps:

I’ve had a thought to install or have someone install a pre-fabricated shower enclosure with wall panels and base. Something like this:

https://www.reece.com.au/product/showers-c458/shower-systems-c726/kado-lux-shower-system-1200mm-x-900mm-rear-9506233

To prepare the area I am going to:

1- remove the gyprock and tile on both walls of the shower.
2- remove the shower tray

3- repair/replace any rotten studs and floorboards

4- install Aquacheck gyprock, wet area plaster and taping

5- install fiber cement board underlay on floor.

I wouldn’t mind some feedback on 1, my planned method for preparing the area as well as 2, thoughts on either using the product from Reece or using some sort of other wall panel and shower tray. I actually didn’t mind the existing tray as it was easy to keep clean.

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EricL

Hello @Blue-eyedgirl

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about your shower project.

I'm sorry to hear you've had a shower leak. When Gyprock becomes so soft that it falls apart in your hands, it's often an indicator that the leak has been going on for quite some time. But it's good to know that you are in the process of repairing it. The steps you've outlined are very good and that's pretty much how I would suggest doing it. However, before you begin, I suggest checking your local council's rules and regulations in regards to the installation of the repair panels. It's best to know if it can be done as a D.I.Y or if a builder has to do it for compliance.

Please note that the application of waterproofing must be done by a trained and certified tradesperson as it will need to be inspected and signed off.

In regards to the Kado shower, I'm sorry but I'm not familiar with that product. However, I do know that an Estilo 1900x900x2.2mm White Shower Wall and an Estilo 900mm x 900mm Shower Base 4 Lip Rear Outlet combined with an Estilo 900 x 1830mm White Semi Frameless Shower Screen will provide you with a very secure shower set.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Dave-1

Morning @Blue-eyedgirl

😕 What a pain. It sounds liek the water damage has been going on for some time.

I like your plan and method of attack. It may be an idea to get a quote of the whole redo of your batheroom (as you dont know where the leak is and breaking the waterproofing means it will probarly need to be redone for the room again (Thinking of the wet plastrer walls as well) Getting a quote will at least give an indication of what needs to be done and whats possible for yourself to do.

As to re-using parts. I am a big one for re-using stuff 🙂 With a new install it may stand out if you reuse the old tray. Plus the ability to find glass panelling for it. It may be easier to go for new that will fit the types of walls you install as well.

The waterproofing needs to be signed off as being done by a licenced person otherwise insurance wont be covered and also issues could arrise whne you go to sell the house.

Dave

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