Top 5 Common Shower Failures

By Sonoma Enterprises – High-End Tile & Remodeling on the Treasure Coast

1. Improper Waterproofing

It’s the #1 cause of leaks, mold, and long-term damage. A tile surface alone is not waterproof. Behind every great shower is a proper waterproof membrane system — like RedGard or Schluter — applied to the cement board.

✅ How We Solve It:
We never skip steps. Sonoma Enterprises installs full waterproofing systems, flood-tests every pan, and uses best-in-class materials built to last.

2. Leaky Shower Pans

A shower pan that’s not sloped correctly or lacks a proper liner can trap water underneath tile — leading to rot, odor, and structural issues.

✅ What We Do Differently:
We build custom pans with PVC liners, pre-slope them for drainage, and reinforce all seams. It's not just code-compliant — it’s future-proof.

3. Poor Drainage or Wrong Slope

Water pooling at corners or the back of the shower is a red flag. This usually happens when tile is installed without the proper slope toward the drain.

✅ Our Fix:
Every Sonoma shower is precision-leveled and laser-checked to ensure water moves exactly where it should.

4. Grout Cracking and Tile Movement

Using the wrong mortar, skipping movement joints, or installing tile over shifting surfaces leads to cracking and failure.

✅ Our Standard:
We use high-performance thinset, flexible joints at transitions, and set tile only over stable, reinforced backer board.

5. Shoddy Niches and Benches

Leaks often start at shower niches or built-in benches that weren’t properly waterproofed or pitched.

✅ Why Our Work Lasts:
Every niche and bench we install is sloped to shed water and sealed behind the tile to prevent hidden water intrusion.

🛠️ Why Choose Sonoma Enterprises?

We’re not just tile installers — we’re remodeling pros who understand the entire system behind your shower. From demo to final sealant, every step is done with integrity and precision.

📍 Serving the Treasure Coast, Palm Beaches, and surrounding areas
📞 Ready to start your remodel? Schedule your consultation now »

💡 Pro Tip for Homeowners:

Always ask your contractor how they waterproof, what materials they use, and if they perform a flood test. If they don’t have answers — call us instead.