7 Walk-In Shower Mistakes to Avoid

Most walk-in shower problems come from poor planning: weak ventilation, incomplete waterproofing, no splash control, incorrect floor falls, ignored accessibility, slippery surfaces, and awkward sizing/layout. Fix them by designing in proper extraction, full tanking, screens/deflectors, correct falls and drainage, level access, wet-rated anti-slip (PTV ≥36), and a layout that fits the user — then commissioning the install.

1) Skipping ventilation

Why it happens: “We’ll crack a window.”
Risks: Condensation, mould, swollen joinery, failed grout/sealant.
Fix: Specify mechanical extraction that actually gets used (quiet enough, ideally humidity/automatic control) and maintain an airflow path (under-cut doors, trickle vents). Approved Document F design rates: 15 l/s (intermittent bathroom extract) or 8 l/s (continuous extract).

2) Poor waterproofing (“tanking lite”)

Why it happens: Only the tray area gets treated.
Risks: Hidden leaks, damp subfloors, tile movement, expensive remedials.
Fix: Fully tank the wet zone (walls and floor to an appropriate height/extent); seal transitions (niches, corners, penetrations); use compatible membranes, primers, sealants. Pressure/pond-test before tiling where applicable. Remember: tiles and grout are not waterproofing (see BS 5385 guidance).

3) No splash guard

Why it happens: “Open” look > water management.
Risks: Pools outside the shower, slips, damage to adjacent finishes.
Fix: Add a fixed screen, return panel or discreet deflector. Position the shower head to spray inwards, and use a small threshold trim only if needed for containment — while keeping entry level/accessible.

4) Incorrect floor slope (falls to drain)

Why it happens: Unlevel substrate or “tile by eye.”
Risks: Standing water, ponding at corners, slip risk.
Fix: Use a pre-formed level-access tray or set consistent falls towards the drain. As a rule of thumb target 1:80 to 1:35 (≈ 1–3%) depending on surface and expected flow. Dry-run water tests before final sealing and ensure the drain/grate capacity exceeds the litres-per-minute of your shower head(s).

5) Ignoring accessibility needs

Why it happens: Designing for today, not tomorrow.
Risks: Hard transfers, fatigue, unsafe reaching.
Fix: Level access where possible, a fold-down seat, grab rails at entry/seat/exit, easy-reach controls, and clear manoeuvring space. If a carer may assist, plan the screen layout and door widths for two-person use.

6) Slippery flooring

Why it happens: Choosing by look/price, not wet performance.
Risks: Slips/falls.
Fix: Choose wet-rated anti-slip surfaces; in the UK aim for PTV ≥36 in wet areas (tray or floor). Keep to a consistent cleaning routine — residues reduce grip.

7) Wrong size/layout

Why it happens: Squeezing into the space you have.
Risks: Overspray, banging elbows, hard-to-reach controls.
Fix: Right-size the showering zone, put controls at the entry side, plan storage at reachable heights, and align the head with the longest splash path (avoid pointing straight at the opening). Use BS EN 12150 toughened safety glass; enclosures to BS EN 14428.

Walk-In Shower Mistake → Solution (at-a-glance)

Do & Don’t (quick checklist)

Do

• Do plan level access, correct falls, and proven drainage (capacity > total flow).

• Do choose wet-rated anti-slip (PTV ≥36) and keep it clean.

• Do add a seat, grab rails, and reachable controls.

• Do use mechanical ventilation that’s quiet and automatic — and commission it.

Don’t

• Don’t rely on a window for ventilation.

• Don’t “spot-tank” just the tray; waterproof the whole wet zone.

• Don’t place the shower head facing the opening.

• Don’t bury trap/clean-out access or hide critical junctions.

How to specify a safe walk-in shower (step-by-step)

1. Assess the space & user needs (mobility now and future; carer involvement).
2. Plan ventilation (quiet fan + airflow path; Part F rates: 15 l/s intermittent, 8 l/s continuous).
3. Choose the system: pre-formed level-access tray or a fully tanked wet-room floor.
4. Set waterproofing scope (membranes, corners, penetrations; BS 5385 principles).
5. Design falls & drainage (target 1:80–1:35, drain > combined L/min of heads).
6. Select surfaces (wet-rated anti-slip, PTV ≥36).
7. Add safety kit (fold-down seat, grab rails, reachable controls).
8. Control splash (fixed screen/return/deflector; head oriented inward).
9. Electrical safety (bathroom Zones 1–2 equipment IPX4+ — IPX5 if water jets; circuits on 30 mA RCD per BS 7671).
10. Scald protection (thermostatic mixing valve: TMV2 domestic / TMV3 in care/clinical settings).
11. Commission (water-test, check seals, show the user how to use/clean; keep trap/clean-out access).

Expert tip: A well-specced level-access tray is often the simplest path to reliable falls and drainage in typical UK homes.

FAQs

Do I need a fan if there’s a window?
Yes — windows don’t run automatically when you shower. A quiet, effective fan that meets Part F helps prevent mould and protects finishes.

Is a “wet look” floor safe?
Only if it’s wet-rated. Check performance (aim for PTV ≥36 in wet areas) and keep residues off the surface.

Are open showers practical in small bathrooms?
Yes, with a return panel/deflector and the shower head aimed inward to avoid puddles outside the zone.

Seat or no seat?
If anyone tires easily, wobbles, or transfers with difficulty, add a fold-down seat and place controls within easy reach while seated.