Converting a Bathroom to a Wet Room: The Step-by-Step Installation Guide

From Old Bath to New Wet Room: What to Expect During Installation

Deciding to install a wet room is the easy part. The hard part is worrying about the disruption.
“How long will I be without a toilet?”
“Will there be dust everywhere?”
“Do I need to organise a plumber, a tiler, and an electrician separately?”

At EA Mobility, we believe you should know exactly what is happening in your home. Unlike general builders who might drag a job out for weeks, our specialist teams typically complete a full conversion in 3 to 5 working days.

Here is the step-by-step roadmap of how we turn a standard bathroom into a luxury accessible wet room.

---

Phase 1: The Technical Checks (Before We Start)

Before a single tile is removed, we check the “Hidden Mechanics” of your house. This ensures the shower will actually work.

• Water Pressure: We check if you have a Combi Boiler or a Gravity Fed system (tank in the loft). If pressure is low, we might recommend a pump to ensure your new wet room shower has decent power.

• Building Regulations: We ensure the plans comply with Part P (Electrical Safety) and Part F (Ventilation). A powerful extractor fan is mandatory in a wet room to prevent mould.

---

Phase 2: The 5-Day Installation Timeline

Every house is different, but here is a typical schedule for a UK bathroom conversion.

Day 1: Rip Out & First Fix

The Messy Day. We start by protecting your carpets with dust sheets.

• Removal: The bath, toilet, basin, and old tiles are removed and placed in the skip on your drive.

• Floor Inspection: We lift the floorboards to inspect the timber joists for rot or damage.

• First Fix Plumbing: We run new pipework for your shower and move waste pipes if the layout is changing.

• Reassurance: We usually re-install the toilet at the end of the day so you are not left without facilities overnight.

Day 2: Structural Work (The “Former”)

The Engineering Day. We create the wet room floor structure.

• Former Installation: We screw the structural wet room former directly into the joists. This creates the perfect invisible slope for drainage.

• Boarding: We line the walls with moisture-resistant boards, ready for tiling.

• Electrics: Our electrician runs the cables for your new shower, LED lights, and extractor fan.

Day 3: Tanking (Waterproofing)

The Critical Day. This is what makes it a “Wet Room” and not just a shower.

• Sealing: We apply a liquid waterproof membrane to the floor and the shower walls (“Tanking”).

• Curing: This creates a sealed rubberised box that prevents leaks. It must be left to dry completely.

Day 4: Tiling & Flooring

The Visual Day. Now it starts to look beautiful.

• Flooring: We lay your chosen safety vinyl or tiles. If using vinyl, we heat-weld the corners (“Cap and Cove”) to create a seamless, watertight skirting board.

• Wall Covering: We tile the walls or install waterproof “Multipanel” boards (which are grout-free and easy to clean).

Day 5: Second Fix & Handover

The Finishing Day.

• Fitting: We install the new toilet, basin, shower unit, and safety grab rails.

• Sealing: We apply high-grade anti-mould silicone to all joints.

• Testing: We test the drainage flow and water temperature.

• Clean Up: We remove the dust sheets, sweep up, and show you how to use your new shower.

---

Common Installation Worries

1. “Will I be without a toilet?”
We prioritize your comfort. In 90% of cases, we re-connect the toilet every night. If the floor needs to dry overnight (Day 3), we will discuss temporary solutions like a chemical commode during the survey so you are prepared.

2. “What about the dust?”
Removing tiles creates dust—there is no avoiding it. However, we seal the bathroom door and cover your hallway carpets. We recommend keeping bedroom doors closed during the “Rip Out” phase (Day 1).

3. “Do I need to find an electrician?”
No. At EA Mobility, we offer a “Turnkey Service.” We provide the plumber, tiler, carpenter, and electrician. You have one point of contact for the whole job.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (Process)

Q: Can you convert a downstairs toilet into a wet room?
A: Yes. This is a great way to “future-proof” your home. We often use a digital waste pump if gravity drainage isn’t possible under the stairs. (Read our Small Wet Room Guide).

Q: How soon can I use the shower?
A: We recommend waiting 24 hours after completion to allow the silicone sealants to cure fully. Using it too soon can compromise the waterproof seal.

Q: Do you take the rubbish away?
A: Yes. We arrange the skip hire and ensure all waste materials (including the old bath) are removed from your property.

---

Ready to Start?

Knowing the process removes the fear. A wet room isn’t a month-long building site; it is a one-week transformation.

Book Your Free Technical Survey
We will check your water pressure and floor structure, then give you a fixed installation timeline.