As part of our daily routine, we take showers to refresh ourselves and relax after a busy day. If showers are not appropriately waterproofed, they can cause significant structural damage and mould growth. This is why waterstops are so important.
A waterstop is a special material that prevents water from penetrating through joints and seams in the shower. We will examine why investing in high-quality waterstops is a crucial step in any bathroom renovation or construction project and how they ensure your shower’s long-term durability and integrity.
What Are Waterstops & Why Are They Critical For Bathroom Waterproofing?
For showers, water stops are typically installed around the perimeter of the shower base and at the bottom of any walls in contact with the shower area. A waterstop can be constructed of either a hob or an aluminium angle.
Waterstops are also installed at entry thresholds of wet areas. This is done to prevent water from seeping beneath tiles or through the joints or cracks in these areas and into the structure of the building.
A puddle flange or a leak control flange should be recessed into the subfloor area of the shower base, connecting to the shower waste trap (a PVC drainage trap sits below the subfloor connecting to the plumbing drainage system.
The waterstop is waterproofed from the external side, extending over the waterstop and down onto the shower base, extending up the shower recess walls to a minimum height of 1800mm, or to the size of the shower head (whichever is higher), with the waterproofing terminating inside the puddle flange.
This is designed to allow any water that leaks through failed grout or silicone to travel along the waterproofing inside the shower into the puddle flange so that it can exit into the waste outlet into the drainage plumbing system instead of travelling under tiles outside the shower base or bathroom.
The waterstop essentially “stops” water penetrating substrates and the structure by directing any water leakage or seepage into the drainage system so that it cannot cause water damage to a bathroom or shower.
Waterstops ensure that water is contained within the shower or bathroom area and does not migrate into other parts of the building.
AS 3740-2021 is the Australian standard for waterproofing in domestic wet areas, and it specifies the requirements for installing waterstops in bathrooms and showers.
According to the standard, waterstops must be of an appropriate type and size for the intended use and must be installed appropriately to ensure they function correctly.
The standard also requires testing waterstops to meet the required performance criteria.
It’s important to note that the installation location may vary depending on the type of shower and the materials used in its construction. Following the manufacturer’s instructions and the AS 3740-2021 waterproofing of domestic wet areas guidelines is essential.
See It For Yourself!
One of our experienced shower repair and bathroom renovation technicians installed the Hebel Hobs to the shower base’s perimeter, creating our waterstop. These are installed using a polyurethane adhesive, both an adhesive and a sealant that seals all junctions and joins before the waterproof membrane application. The waterproof membrane will be applied to the shower walls, on all sides of the hobs and onto the shower base, terminating inside the puddle flange, the plastic recessed pan connected to the drainage plumbing system in the home.
Waterstops: Preventing Water Damage & Ensuring Safety
Any bathroom needs shower waterstops to prevent water from leaking from the shower and damaging the floors and walls. Waterstops also play a vital role in ensuring safety by preventing slips and falls caused by water pooling outside the shower.
If waterstops are not installed or replaced during bathroom renovations or construction projects, they may lead to costly repairs and safety hazards. So, trust the experts at The Shower Man Melbourne for unmatched shower repair and bathroom renovations!