New tiled standup shower leaking
Hi all, my contractor installed a tiled standup shower a few weeks ago and we just started using it after the shower door was installed. We discovered that the basin is leaking because the joists downstairs are all wet and the moisture is all around the shower floor – including the drywall on the other side of the wall in the adjoining room. I looked closer and there appears to be small gaps between the wall tile and the shower floor tile. Knowing my contractor, he will probably just add a bead of silicone around the entire perimeter of the shower basin but we doubt this would be sufficient. Does anyone know of a way to fix this without ripping out the wall/floor tile? Thanks in advance. [Bathroom shower leaks](//muut.com/u/brownstoner/s3/:brownstoner:2RGi:bathroomshowerleaks.jpg.jpg)

mattieweiser1
in General Discussion 6 years and 2 months ago
18
Please log in, in order to post replies!

lcrivolitorino | 6 years and 1 month ago
string(1) "1" object(WP_User)#4910 (8) { ["data"]=> object(stdClass)#5093 (12) { ["ID"]=> string(6) "176909" ["user_login"]=> string(14) "lcrivolitorino" ["user_pass"]=> string(34) "$P$B1W/Y0XGVvn7KLqZv1/vWRs60v.xYm/" ["user_nicename"]=> string(14) "lcrivolitorino" ["user_email"]=> string(26) "Lcrivolitorino@hotmail.com" ["user_url"]=> string(56) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/lcrivolitorino/" ["user_registered"]=> string(19) "2017-08-10 14:16:44" ["user_activation_key"]=> string(0) "" ["user_status"]=> string(1) "0" ["display_name"]=> string(14) "lcrivolitorino" ["spam"]=> string(1) "0" ["deleted"]=> string(1) "0" } ["ID"]=> int(176909) ["caps"]=> array(2) { ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["cap_key"]=> string(15) "wp_capabilities" ["roles"]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(10) "subscriber" [1]=> string(15) "bbp_participant" } ["allcaps"]=> array(4) { ["read"]=> bool(true) ["level_0"]=> bool(true) ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["filter"]=> NULL ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=> int(1) }
Unfortunately this is very hard to fix without knowing if there’s a screw somewhere or perhaps at the drain where the PVC liner attaches to was done wrong, that is why I always use a Schluter membrane and drain and never have leaks, I got calls to fix many bath jobs thar were not even a year old. If you need it done right you can call me, Lombardi, 516-322-9060.

mattieweiser1
in General Discussion 6 years and 1 month ago
string(1) "2" object(WP_User)#5106 (8) { ["data"]=> object(stdClass)#5108 (12) { ["ID"]=> string(6) "190802" ["user_login"]=> string(13) "mattieweiser1" ["user_pass"]=> string(34) "$P$B3pYXrcTYGc12hwKujTqngzL.fLzxo1" ["user_nicename"]=> string(13) "mattieweiser1" ["user_email"]=> string(26) "Mattie.weiser@corcoran.com" ["user_url"]=> string(0) "" ["user_registered"]=> string(19) "2024-02-22 16:53:31" ["user_activation_key"]=> string(0) "" ["user_status"]=> string(1) "0" ["display_name"]=> string(27) "Mattie Weiser Mattie Weiser" ["spam"]=> string(1) "0" ["deleted"]=> string(1) "0" } ["ID"]=> int(190802) ["caps"]=> array(1) { ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) } ["cap_key"]=> string(15) "wp_capabilities" ["roles"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(10) "subscriber" } ["allcaps"]=> array(3) { ["read"]=> bool(true) ["level_0"]=> bool(true) ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) } ["filter"]=> NULL ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=> int(1) }
@Chris I opened up the walls and did see a liner which may not be high enough (it was only 6” on one side) so I hired a third party to check it out. He thought the problem would be solved with silicone and grout sealer so he applied it. I’ll test the shower tomorrow and will report back.

lkrshacmzcy | 6 years and 1 month ago
string(1) "1" object(WP_User)#4910 (8) { ["data"]=> object(stdClass)#5111 (12) { ["ID"]=> string(6) "209518" ["user_login"]=> string(11) "lkrshacmzcy" ["user_pass"]=> string(34) "$P$Bqvt72Mt4bRnZYx4l2.8v65b1dA59S/" ["user_nicename"]=> string(11) "lkrshacmzcy" ["user_email"]=> string(22) "artjimenez78@gmail.com" ["user_url"]=> string(0) "" ["user_registered"]=> string(19) "2024-07-02 16:32:25" ["user_activation_key"]=> string(0) "" ["user_status"]=> string(1) "0" ["display_name"]=> string(11) "lkrshacmzcy" ["spam"]=> string(1) "0" ["deleted"]=> string(1) "0" } ["ID"]=> int(209518) ["caps"]=> array(1) { ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["cap_key"]=> string(15) "wp_capabilities" ["roles"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(15) "bbp_participant" } ["allcaps"]=> array(1) { ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["filter"]=> NULL ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=> int(1) }
Curious for an update here. Interesting sounding leak but hopefully it has been fixed.

Guest User | 6 years and 2 months ago
string(1) "3" string(6) "199384"
We had a similar experience where the liner was in place, but somehow water was getting between the threshold tile and the liner and running a distance to get to non-liner backed flooring where the leak was manifesting. It took a lot of silicone and trial and error to figure out how to stop it. Be persistent and methodical.

mattieweiser1
in General Discussion 6 years and 2 months ago
string(1) "2" object(WP_User)#5110 (8) { ["data"]=> object(stdClass)#5116 (12) { ["ID"]=> string(6) "190802" ["user_login"]=> string(13) "mattieweiser1" ["user_pass"]=> string(34) "$P$B3pYXrcTYGc12hwKujTqngzL.fLzxo1" ["user_nicename"]=> string(13) "mattieweiser1" ["user_email"]=> string(26) "Mattie.weiser@corcoran.com" ["user_url"]=> string(0) "" ["user_registered"]=> string(19) "2024-02-22 16:53:31" ["user_activation_key"]=> string(0) "" ["user_status"]=> string(1) "0" ["display_name"]=> string(27) "Mattie Weiser Mattie Weiser" ["spam"]=> string(1) "0" ["deleted"]=> string(1) "0" } ["ID"]=> int(190802) ["caps"]=> array(1) { ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) } ["cap_key"]=> string(15) "wp_capabilities" ["roles"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(10) "subscriber" } ["allcaps"]=> array(3) { ["read"]=> bool(true) ["level_0"]=> bool(true) ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) } ["filter"]=> NULL ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=> int(1) }
Update: we opened the other side of the wall and did see a liner. Also we only filled the basin with buckets and not turning on the shower body. There is still leaking coming into the cellar below. We wonder if the bench and threshold were not covered with liner because the leaking does seem to be located in those areas … does anyone have any other ideas? TIA

mattieweiser1
in General Discussion 6 years and 2 months ago
string(1) "2" object(WP_User)#5101 (8) { ["data"]=> object(stdClass)#5100 (12) { ["ID"]=> string(6) "190802" ["user_login"]=> string(13) "mattieweiser1" ["user_pass"]=> string(34) "$P$B3pYXrcTYGc12hwKujTqngzL.fLzxo1" ["user_nicename"]=> string(13) "mattieweiser1" ["user_email"]=> string(26) "Mattie.weiser@corcoran.com" ["user_url"]=> string(0) "" ["user_registered"]=> string(19) "2024-02-22 16:53:31" ["user_activation_key"]=> string(0) "" ["user_status"]=> string(1) "0" ["display_name"]=> string(27) "Mattie Weiser Mattie Weiser" ["spam"]=> string(1) "0" ["deleted"]=> string(1) "0" } ["ID"]=> int(190802) ["caps"]=> array(1) { ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) } ["cap_key"]=> string(15) "wp_capabilities" ["roles"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(10) "subscriber" } ["allcaps"]=> array(3) { ["read"]=> bool(true) ["level_0"]=> bool(true) ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) } ["filter"]=> NULL ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=> int(1) }
@GreenThinker good point, when my contractor said he put a shower liner in I asked him if it might be the shower body leaking. He said he would send someone to open the wall from behind to check for any leaks but your method doesn’t require that I wait for him. Thank you!

GreenThinker | 6 years and 2 months ago
string(1) "1" object(WP_User)#5110 (8) { ["data"]=> object(stdClass)#4912 (12) { ["ID"]=> string(5) "98498" ["user_login"]=> string(12) "GreenThinker" ["user_pass"]=> string(34) "$P$BUyWaQ.9zd8QKKjw0tTw.V/FyEYyLC0" ["user_nicename"]=> string(12) "greenthinker" ["user_email"]=> string(23) "Moscicki.adam@gmail.com" ["user_url"]=> string(23) "/forums/users/greenman/" ["user_registered"]=> string(19) "2017-08-10 14:19:42" ["user_activation_key"]=> string(0) "" ["user_status"]=> string(1) "0" ["display_name"]=> string(12) "GreenThinker" ["spam"]=> string(1) "0" ["deleted"]=> string(1) "0" } ["ID"]=> int(98498) ["caps"]=> array(2) { ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["cap_key"]=> string(15) "wp_capabilities" ["roles"]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(10) "subscriber" [1]=> string(15) "bbp_participant" } ["allcaps"]=> array(4) { ["read"]=> bool(true) ["level_0"]=> bool(true) ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["filter"]=> NULL ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=> int(1) }
A shower liner, when properly installed actually goes up into the walls and over the curb, so even without the silicone bead, water should never leak the way you are describing in the post. Also, it’s possible this isn’t an actual drain issue, but there’s a leak between the shower valve and shower head, if the chrome shower head pipe wasn’t properly put in, or a copper pipe properly welded or screwed in, it could be leaking every time you run the shower. You can check this theory by not turning on the shower, and instead use a few buckets of water to see if it’s actually an issue with the waterproofing of the shower base.
Also, if there is a cellar underneath, i’d start looking in that area, cut out a hole in the drywall or what ever you have underneath to view the drain, if it wasn’t properly tightened, that will also cause a leak.

mattieweiser1
in General Discussion 6 years and 2 months ago
string(1) "2" object(WP_User)#5112 (8) { ["data"]=> object(stdClass)#5106 (12) { ["ID"]=> string(6) "190802" ["user_login"]=> string(13) "mattieweiser1" ["user_pass"]=> string(34) "$P$B3pYXrcTYGc12hwKujTqngzL.fLzxo1" ["user_nicename"]=> string(13) "mattieweiser1" ["user_email"]=> string(26) "Mattie.weiser@corcoran.com" ["user_url"]=> string(0) "" ["user_registered"]=> string(19) "2024-02-22 16:53:31" ["user_activation_key"]=> string(0) "" ["user_status"]=> string(1) "0" ["display_name"]=> string(27) "Mattie Weiser Mattie Weiser" ["spam"]=> string(1) "0" ["deleted"]=> string(1) "0" } ["ID"]=> int(190802) ["caps"]=> array(1) { ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) } ["cap_key"]=> string(15) "wp_capabilities" ["roles"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(10) "subscriber" } ["allcaps"]=> array(3) { ["read"]=> bool(true) ["level_0"]=> bool(true) ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) } ["filter"]=> NULL ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=> int(1) }
@Matt J, thanks I will do that.

Guest User | 6 years and 2 months ago
string(1) "3" string(6) "195744"
Open the wall where you have drywall. Start your probe 12” as of finish flor . This way you can see from top of the liner is on the studs .

mattieweiser1
in General Discussion 6 years and 2 months ago
string(1) "2" object(WP_User)#5101 (8) { ["data"]=> object(stdClass)#5107 (12) { ["ID"]=> string(6) "190802" ["user_login"]=> string(13) "mattieweiser1" ["user_pass"]=> string(34) "$P$B3pYXrcTYGc12hwKujTqngzL.fLzxo1" ["user_nicename"]=> string(13) "mattieweiser1" ["user_email"]=> string(26) "Mattie.weiser@corcoran.com" ["user_url"]=> string(0) "" ["user_registered"]=> string(19) "2024-02-22 16:53:31" ["user_activation_key"]=> string(0) "" ["user_status"]=> string(1) "0" ["display_name"]=> string(27) "Mattie Weiser Mattie Weiser" ["spam"]=> string(1) "0" ["deleted"]=> string(1) "0" } ["ID"]=> int(190802) ["caps"]=> array(1) { ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) } ["cap_key"]=> string(15) "wp_capabilities" ["roles"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(10) "subscriber" } ["allcaps"]=> array(3) { ["read"]=> bool(true) ["level_0"]=> bool(true) ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) } ["filter"]=> NULL ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=> int(1) }
Thanks @robertbullock, I thought he might be BS’ing us too. The architect suggest we hire a third party to check the work. I thought about opening a hole in the opposite wall myself so I could get a look at the shower assembly but I don’t want to puncture the liner.

robertbullock | 6 years and 2 months ago
string(1) "1" object(WP_User)#4910 (8) { ["data"]=> object(stdClass)#5117 (12) { ["ID"]=> string(6) "183080" ["user_login"]=> string(13) "robertbullock" ["user_pass"]=> string(34) "$P$BONKUP/qGibK9baiRbpqcbUjA.fGJI1" ["user_nicename"]=> string(13) "robertbullock" ["user_email"]=> string(18) "rbullock@gmail.com" ["user_url"]=> string(0) "" ["user_registered"]=> string(19) "2017-08-10 13:26:53" ["user_activation_key"]=> string(0) "" ["user_status"]=> string(1) "0" ["display_name"]=> string(13) "robertbullock" ["spam"]=> string(1) "0" ["deleted"]=> string(1) "0" } ["ID"]=> int(183080) ["caps"]=> array(1) { ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["cap_key"]=> string(15) "wp_capabilities" ["roles"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(15) "bbp_participant" } ["allcaps"]=> array(1) { ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["filter"]=> NULL ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=> int(1) }
silicone will likely help but it requires periodic re-application. Sounds like your contractor is feeding you BS about the liner. Ours did that too. Do you have architect or 3rd party who can verify? If there’s no liner, it’s on the contractor to rebuild the stall.

Guest User | 6 years and 2 months ago
string(1) "3" string(6) "195744"
Janmac.se@gmail.com
Shoot me an email to discuss

JohnHancock | 6 years and 2 months ago
string(1) "1" object(WP_User)#5112 (8) { ["data"]=> object(stdClass)#5108 (12) { ["ID"]=> string(5) "22067" ["user_login"]=> string(11) "JohnHancock" ["user_pass"]=> string(34) "$P$Bw9EUIInWUWur5HPQmiuDek2VIWsxp1" ["user_nicename"]=> string(11) "JohnHancock" ["user_email"]=> string(18) "steefv@hotmail.com" ["user_url"]=> string(0) "" ["user_registered"]=> string(19) "2008-12-17 12:39:58" ["user_activation_key"]=> string(0) "" ["user_status"]=> string(1) "0" ["display_name"]=> string(11) "JohnHancock" ["spam"]=> string(1) "0" ["deleted"]=> string(1) "0" } ["ID"]=> int(22067) ["caps"]=> array(1) { ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["cap_key"]=> string(15) "wp_capabilities" ["roles"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(15) "bbp_participant" } ["allcaps"]=> array(1) { ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["filter"]=> NULL ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=> int(1) }
Perhaps a problem in the drain or plumbing fixtures instead. A bad leaking connection somewhere

mattieweiser1
in General Discussion 6 years and 2 months ago
string(1) "2" object(WP_User)#5109 (8) { ["data"]=> object(stdClass)#4909 (12) { ["ID"]=> string(6) "190802" ["user_login"]=> string(13) "mattieweiser1" ["user_pass"]=> string(34) "$P$B3pYXrcTYGc12hwKujTqngzL.fLzxo1" ["user_nicename"]=> string(13) "mattieweiser1" ["user_email"]=> string(26) "Mattie.weiser@corcoran.com" ["user_url"]=> string(0) "" ["user_registered"]=> string(19) "2024-02-22 16:53:31" ["user_activation_key"]=> string(0) "" ["user_status"]=> string(1) "0" ["display_name"]=> string(27) "Mattie Weiser Mattie Weiser" ["spam"]=> string(1) "0" ["deleted"]=> string(1) "0" } ["ID"]=> int(190802) ["caps"]=> array(1) { ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) } ["cap_key"]=> string(15) "wp_capabilities" ["roles"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(10) "subscriber" } ["allcaps"]=> array(3) { ["read"]=> bool(true) ["level_0"]=> bool(true) ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) } ["filter"]=> NULL ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=> int(1) }
I was able to get the contractor on the phone and he claims that he installed a liner. I don’t see any silicone at the corner between the wall and floor – would the lack of that be enough for water to pour into the ceiling below?

mattieweiser1
in General Discussion 6 years and 2 months ago
string(1) "2" object(WP_User)#5118 (8) { ["data"]=> object(stdClass)#5119 (12) { ["ID"]=> string(6) "190802" ["user_login"]=> string(13) "mattieweiser1" ["user_pass"]=> string(34) "$P$B3pYXrcTYGc12hwKujTqngzL.fLzxo1" ["user_nicename"]=> string(13) "mattieweiser1" ["user_email"]=> string(26) "Mattie.weiser@corcoran.com" ["user_url"]=> string(0) "" ["user_registered"]=> string(19) "2024-02-22 16:53:31" ["user_activation_key"]=> string(0) "" ["user_status"]=> string(1) "0" ["display_name"]=> string(27) "Mattie Weiser Mattie Weiser" ["spam"]=> string(1) "0" ["deleted"]=> string(1) "0" } ["ID"]=> int(190802) ["caps"]=> array(1) { ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) } ["cap_key"]=> string(15) "wp_capabilities" ["roles"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(10) "subscriber" } ["allcaps"]=> array(3) { ["read"]=> bool(true) ["level_0"]=> bool(true) ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) } ["filter"]=> NULL ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=> int(1) }
Matt J, thanks for chiming in. I also fear missing the liner is the issue. I didn’t notice the lack of shower liner during the process, but that shouldn’t be my responsibility as a homeowner, right? Shouldn’t there be reasonable assumption that the contractor chooses the right means and methods to finish the job correctly? This is going to be a big fix since we just had a custom glass shower door enclosure installed and we would need to remove it for a liner to be installed.

Guest User | 6 years and 2 months ago
string(1) "3" string(6) "195744"
Unfortunately it seems like linear is missing . I have see it before . In order to fix this entire shower floor , shower curb and 3 bottom tiles have to be removed in order to apply a linear.

mattieweiser1
in General Discussion 6 years and 2 months ago
string(1) "2" object(WP_User)#5103 (8) { ["data"]=> object(stdClass)#5101 (12) { ["ID"]=> string(6) "190802" ["user_login"]=> string(13) "mattieweiser1" ["user_pass"]=> string(34) "$P$B3pYXrcTYGc12hwKujTqngzL.fLzxo1" ["user_nicename"]=> string(13) "mattieweiser1" ["user_email"]=> string(26) "Mattie.weiser@corcoran.com" ["user_url"]=> string(0) "" ["user_registered"]=> string(19) "2024-02-22 16:53:31" ["user_activation_key"]=> string(0) "" ["user_status"]=> string(1) "0" ["display_name"]=> string(27) "Mattie Weiser Mattie Weiser" ["spam"]=> string(1) "0" ["deleted"]=> string(1) "0" } ["ID"]=> int(190802) ["caps"]=> array(1) { ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) } ["cap_key"]=> string(15) "wp_capabilities" ["roles"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(10) "subscriber" } ["allcaps"]=> array(3) { ["read"]=> bool(true) ["level_0"]=> bool(true) ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) } ["filter"]=> NULL ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=> int(1) }
@HouseNut, thanks for your input. The contractor poured the concrete base so he didn’t use a pan, but I don’t remember seeing a shower pan liner or any special waterproofing. I wish there was a better system to evaluate contractors when you hire them.

HouseNut | 6 years and 2 months ago
string(1) "1" object(WP_User)#5107 (8) { ["data"]=> object(stdClass)#5110 (12) { ["ID"]=> string(5) "45965" ["user_login"]=> string(8) "HouseNut" ["user_pass"]=> string(34) "$P$BhfkFH3s4gG9kG.gygxNT9BfagYY5p1" ["user_nicename"]=> string(8) "housenut" ["user_email"]=> string(23) "jsw_polemic@hotmail.com" ["user_url"]=> string(23) "/forums/users/housenut/" ["user_registered"]=> string(19) "2017-08-10 13:36:01" ["user_activation_key"]=> string(0) "" ["user_status"]=> string(1) "0" ["display_name"]=> string(8) "HouseNut" ["spam"]=> string(1) "0" ["deleted"]=> string(1) "0" } ["ID"]=> int(45965) ["caps"]=> array(2) { ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["cap_key"]=> string(15) "wp_capabilities" ["roles"]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(10) "subscriber" [1]=> string(15) "bbp_participant" } ["allcaps"]=> array(4) { ["read"]=> bool(true) ["level_0"]=> bool(true) ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["filter"]=> NULL ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=> int(1) }
It sounds like your contractor may not have installed the shower pan (the waterproof barrier that goes under the tile), which wouldn’t be visible from the outside but perhaps you remember seeing it be installed or not. We just had to renovate a bathroom, shore up joists, and repair drywall in a bedroom underneath due to the lack of this pan from a renovation before we purchased.