How to Stop Your Wetroom Leaking

Wetrooms are a fantastic addition to any modern home, offering a sleek aesthetic and luxurious showering experience. However, a leaking wetroom can quickly turn that dream into a nightmare. Leaks can cause extensive damage to your property, not to mention the inconvenience and cost of repairs.

We explore why wetroom designs are prone to leaks, their potential negative consequences, and, most importantly, practical strategies for creating a leak-free wet room in your home.

Why Are Wetrooms Prone to Leaks?

Wetrooms differ from regular bathrooms because the shower area is open-plan, with no separate shower screen or tray. The entire floor is waterproofed and gradients down towards a floor drain. This ‘walk-in shower’ design makes these spaces stylish, practical, and easy to clean. However, it also means there’s a large, flat surface from which water can leak.

There are several common causes of leaks in wetrooms:

• Poor waterproofing: If the waterproof membrane is fitted incorrectly or damaged, water will leak through cracks and seep into the floor below.

• Improper gradients: The wet room floor must slope down to the drain so water runs off. Insufficient gradients can allow water to pool, which could leak through gaps.  

• Gaps between tiles: Grout and adhesive are not waterproof. Any cracks or gaps in the tiling can lead to leaks.

• Damage over time: The tanking, tiles, and seals can become damaged and dislodged through regular use, causing leaks.

Consequences of Wetroom Leaks

A leaking wetroom can cause severe water damage to the floor structure, ceilings, and rooms below. The leakage may initially go unnoticed, allowing large amounts of water to seep into cavities and wooden joists, causing rot and mould. This can jeopardise the structural integrity of your home and be extremely difficult and costly to repair.

The moisture also provides ideal conditions for hazardous mould and bacteria to multiply rapidly, which can present serious health issues for your family. Unfortunately, the only remedy is typically to strip out and rebuild the wetroom completely, so getting it right the first time is critical.

Strategies for a Leak-Free Wet Room

The good news is that you can take several steps to prevent a leaking wetroom.

1. Use Professionals for Wetroom Installation

Installing a wetroom is a specialist job. It is essential to choose a qualified and experienced wetroom fitter versed in proper waterproofing techniques. Look for installers from recognised trade associations like the British Institute of KBB Installation (BiKBBI).

2. Ensure a Strong and Sturdy Subfloor

Ensure your subfloor is solid, level, and dry. If you're installing on a timber floor, consider adding extra support, such as plywood, between the joists. This will help prevent the timber from absorbing water and causing the floor to become uneven, leading to cracks in the grout or tiles.

3. Invest in a Quality Tanking System

Using high-quality tanking materials is essential for creating a watertight wetroom. Look for a reputable brand that offers a complete tanking kit, including tanking membrane, tanking tape, sealing tape, and waterproof primer.

4. Ensure Effective Drainage

Your wetroom's floor should slope gently but consistently towards the drain, with a fall of between 1:35 and 1:80. This ensures water flows freely and efficiently, preventing pooling that could lead to leaks. A qualified professional will ensure the correct gradient is achieved during construction.

In addition, ensure the drainage system is functioning correctly, and the shower waste pipe is connected to the drain correctly. Consider installing a higher-flow drain than needed to ensure the water drains away quickly and doesn't pool.

5. Choose the Right Shower Tray (if applicable)

While some wet rooms have a fully tiled shower area that slopes towards the drain, others incorporate a separate shower tray. If you opt for a tray, ensure it's made from a high-quality, watertight material and properly integrated with the surrounding tanking membrane.

6. Pay Attention to Tiling and Grouting

Only use high-quality floor tiles suitable for wet areas, like porcelain and ceramic, as they are less porous and less likely to cause mould growth over time. Ensure they are fully bonded to the floor with a suitable waterproof adhesive. Use the 100% bed of adhesive method rather than the dot and dab method.

It’s vital to use waterproof grout to fill the gaps between the tiles, ensuring there are no cracks or spaces. For bathrooms with mosaic-style tiles, provide an even, flat layout to prevent water pooling in the grout and causing mould and slipping hazards. Consider hiring a qualified tiler for the perfect installation.

7. Regularly Inspect for Leakages and Damage

Don't wait for a major leak to develop before taking action. Regularly inspect your wet room for signs of damage, like cracks in the tiles or grouting, water stains on walls or ceilings, or any areas where the tiles may be lifting. Promptly address any concerns to prevent minor issues from escalating into costly repairs.

8. Consider Professional Maintenance

For peace of mind, consider scheduling a professional inspection of your wet room every few years. A qualified plumber or wet room specialist can assess the condition of the waterproofing and identify any potential problems before they cause leaks.

Wetroomstop: Your Partner in Leak-Free Luxury

By combining durable materials with the expertise of a qualified installer, you can significantly reduce the chances of your wetroom leaking.

At Wetroomstop, we understand the importance of a properly waterproofed wet room. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of superior-quality waterproofing materials, from wet room primers and tanking compounds to sealing tape and complete waterproofing kits. All our products are rigorously tested to ensure they meet the highest standards.

If you're considering installing a wet room or refurbishing an existing one, contact Wetroomstop today. Our knowledgeable team can advise you on the best waterproofing solutions for your project to ensure you achieve a beautiful and leak-free wet room.