Daily Home Renovation Tips

In Part 12 we uncovered the improper fold of the water proofing mat that was also letting the water leaking from the wall / floor tile joins out of the mat and onto the particle board, drywall, etc. Disappointing that the en suite shower we had installed as part of our home renovation effort less than a year ago was already giving us problems.

Now, the water proof mat is removed and we see the extent of the water leak.

In the above picture, notice the dramatic difference in the colour along the edge of the cement board that was under the concrete floor. This of course is an indication of significant water escaping from the water proof mat.

Above is a picture of the entire shower floor once the water proof mat is completely removed. Again, notice the wetness of the outer edges of the cement board on the left and top of the picture. Also notice the wet area at the base of the horizontal wood at the top of the picture. A lot of water was leaking.

So, what to do?

First, Alex, Bennett’s son in the above picture, held the drain pipe while his dad was in the basement cutting the drain pipe. This was because the plan was to move the drain to more in the center of the shower floor. This would then allow a more gradual slope from all areas of the shower floor. The current placement close to the shower bench did result in some small water puddles between the drain opening and the built-in shower bench.

Well, over the weekend we placed a de-humidifier inside the shower stall to help dry the floor, wood, etc. Monday would tell the situation. Hopefully the wood and floor will have dried to allow Bennett to continue to install the new floor. And, he mentioned that he would likely use bleach or some substance to kill any mold that might be attempting to grow on the continually web portions of the floor.