How to fix shower floor drainage?

[susanescott]

 Hi there. We’ve moved into a new house (for us) which is almost three years old. We’ve found that the shower floor is spongy to the left of the drain and that part of floor and drain seem to be higher than the rest so the water doesn’t drain. I read online that we might have to rip out the whole shower and rewaterproof. Does this sound about right?

[susanescott]

As the photo has rotated I will say below the drain is spongy - as you can see where it is dry. Photo was taken two hours after shower. 

[MitchellMc]

That doesn't sound great @susanescott. When you say the floor feels spongy, as in the tiles move? 

You'll need a tiler or handyperson to investigate what's going on, but unless it's just the tile that has broken away from the cement screed, it sounds like there could be some significant issues.

Unfortunately, if the waterproofing membrane has been compromised, then you are looking at quite some work to resolve the issue, which could involve removing all the tiles in the shower recess.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[susanescott]

Thanks Mitchell. I was worried about that. The tiles just seem to move under my feet and they seem to be lifted. Called the builder and he and tiller are coming out. It may end up being bigger than I can handle. 

[susanescott]

So I had tiler and builder come out after this post and they said there’s nothing wrong. Tried to push it and they dismissed us. Have finally got a weekend free so set to replace the mouldy silicone around the base and have found water is leaking out on one wall below the tap. I’m assuming this is why the adjacent floor tiles are higher. Looks like I need to get builder and tiler back again. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @susanescott,

I'm sorry to hear you've had that experience with the tiler and builder.

It may be worth getting a leak detection company to assist. They can often use thermal imaging cameras to locate the source and extent of a leak. This will give you hard evidence that can be shown to the builder.

Keep us in the loop as things progress.

Jacob