A customer contacted us after having a contractor complete several bathrooms. Two of the ensuite wetrooms were leaking badly, water was flowing straight out of the shower area and into the adjoining bedrooms, damaging the flooring and causing a huge headache.
When the homeowner contacted the tiler, they were told it wasn’t his responsibility. The contractor who oversaw the job has been ignoring the issue entirely. And yet, the customer was told everything was guaranteed for ten years at the time of installation.
So where does that leave the homeowner?
Wetrooms Done Wrong: What Causes These Issues?
Wetrooms can look sleek and luxurious, but they’re one of the most technical types of bathroom installs. Poor drainage design, incorrect falls, or failed tanking can lead to water escaping the shower area and flooding other parts of the home.
Common causes include:
- Poor or non-existent waterproof tanking
- Inadequate slope in the floor (not enough gradient to drain water)
- Incorrect installation of trays or linear drains
- Rushed or careless grouting and silicone sealing
- Poor coordination between plumber, tiler, and builder
Guarantees Mean Nothing Without Accountability
It’s easy for some trades to promise a “10-year guarantee,” but unless that’s backed by a written warranty, clear documentation, and the willingness to stand by their work, it’s worthless.
The legal responsibility ultimately sits with the main contractor — not the subcontractor (like the tiler). If the job goes wrong, it’s the contractor’s role to put it right.
Unfortunately, many customers only find this out after something fails.
What Should You Do If This Happens to You?
- Don’t let another tradesperson start repairs right away.
- You may void your rights to hold the original contractor accountable.
- Put everything in writing.
- Email or write to the contractor giving them a reasonable deadline (e.g. 14 days) to respond and resolve the issue.
- Document the damage.
- Take photos, videos, and keep a log of correspondence.
- Know your legal rights.
- Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, work must be done with reasonable care and skill and be fit for purpose — no matter what was said verbally.
How Coventry Tiling Does It Differently
At Coventry Tiling, we take wetrooms seriously. We don’t rush waterproofing. We don’t guess the gradients. We use high-end materials and proven techniques that ensure water goes only where it should.
- We always assess falls and drainage properly.
- We use industry-approved waterproof tanking systems.
- We stand by our work, and our name — not with vague promises, but with professionalism and transparency.
If you’ve been let down by a poor tiling or wetroom install and need honest advice before taking the next step, we’re here to help — but we’ll never undermine your rights by jumping in before the legal process is followed.
Get in touch with Coventry Tiling for expert wetroom installations that are built to last — no shortcuts, no surprises.