The short answer: a shower is waterproofed with a membrane under the tile, either a sheet glued to the walls or a liquid rolled on in coats. Both work when installed to the maker’s instructions. Most leaks come from corners, seams, the drain connection and pipe holes, so those get extra attention. Then a flood test proves it before tile.
Sheet vs liquid
| Type | How it goes on | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet membrane | Rolls of fabric-faced membrane bonded with thinset, seams overlapped | Every seam and overlap is a possible leak path; coverage under the sheet matters |
| Liquid membrane | Rolled or brushed on in coats, fabric at corners and gaps | Thickness: too thin and it isn’t a membrane; each coat must cure |
LATICRETE makes both (HYDRO BAN is the liquid, and there’s a HYDRO BAN sheet). Burlington Tile uses liquid HYDRO BAN over a custom-sloped mortar bed, no traditional liner pan.
Corners, seams and pipe holes
Flat wall is easy. The failures happen at changes of plane: wall-to-wall, wall-to-floor, the curb, the niche, the drain flange and every pipe or wire that passes through. HYDRO BAN’s instructions call for fabric over gaps bigger than 1/8 inch; on our showers, every change of plane and seam gets fabric.
Ahh ahh ahh! Beware of skinny corners. Most shower leaks start where two surfaces meet, not in the middle of a wall. Corners, seams and pipe holes get reinforced and double-coated. Best way? Do your research and hire a pro.
Two coats, fully cured
HYDRO BAN changes from light sage to olive green as it cures, which makes thin spots easy to see. The second coat goes on after the first cures. Rushing the cure is like rushing paint in a bathroom: it looks fine until it doesn’t.
The flood test
Plug the drain, fill the pan, mark the water level and wait. LATICRETE’s TDS 169 explains how to run one. On Mike’s jobs it’s overnight, before any tile.
Ahh ahh ahh! Beware of skipping the flood test. Once tile is on, a leak is a tear-out. We plug the drain, fill the pan and leave it overnight before any tile goes down. Best way? Do your research and hire a pro.
Frequently asked questions
Is a liquid or sheet membrane better for a shower?
Both work when installed to the manufacturer’s instructions. The installer matters more than the type.
Do shower walls need waterproofing?
Yes. Grout and tile aren’t waterproof. The membrane goes up the walls, not just on the floor.
How long should a shower flood test last?
Follow the membrane maker’s guidance. Burlington Tile runs it overnight; LATICRETE’s TDS 169 explains the method.
Can I tile right after waterproofing?
Only after the membrane has fully cured and passed the flood test.
Waterproofing is one layer of a full bathroom remodel. Here’s how we handle the rest.
Best way? Do your research and hire a pro.
Want a shower that’s flood-tested before a single tile goes on? Call Mike at 289-337-1578 or book a consult. Every job comes with a 25-year warranty on tile-setting workmanship.
Sources
- LATICRETE HYDRO BAN product data sheet (DS-663) and installation instructions (DS-6635): laticrete.com
- LATICRETE TDS 169, flood testing: laticrete.com
