Can you actually build a shower using ceramic or stone that doesn’t leak?

It’s actually pretty simple but for some reason a lot of people now believe that unless you install a one piece shower stall you are guaranteed of having leaks eventually. We actually built a cut-away shower for a home show a few years ago because we had so many questions concerning how to properly build a shower stall and that display unit helped considerably.

There is a lot of information out there detailing how to properly build a shower stall. The TTMAC (Tile Terrazzo and Marble Association of Canada) and the TCA (Tile Council of America) both have very detailed specifications on shower installations. So do many of the manufacturers of accessory products for the ceramic and stone industry (ie Mapei, Schluter, Proma…etc.). All these sources of information will show you what needs to be done, with heavy emphasis on the use of water-proof membrane systems. You should be able to find some great details and informative pictures so this post won’t be covering those details.

What I want to stress is testing the water-proofing before you complete the shower.

That’s right, test the system before you finish tiling or installing whatever finish you’ve chosen. After the water-proofing has been installed and has cured plug the drain and fill the shower with water. Then let the water sit for at least 48 hours. Don’t rush the test, wait the the two whole days and make it official. Unless of course it starts leaking immediately, like into the next room or downstairs in the ceiling below the shower floor.

If after two days everything looks good then pull the plug and carefully inspect the shower floors and walls. If you are certain there were no leaks then complete the shower stall. If there is a leak, address it and then test the water tightness of the shower unit again. Don’t assume anything. Remember that old saying, if you assume something you risk making an Ass out of yoU and Me. Test, don’t just trust and this is equally important if you hired a contractor. Test, don’t trust. Anyone can slip up and it’s much better to find the leak before you finish the job then after.

Have fun.