Bathroom Rebuild After Leak in Orange County, CA
A bathroom leak can saturate vanities, subfloors, walls, and ceilings below. A lasting fix requires source repair, verified dry-down, waterproofing done right, and a clean finish. White Glove Plumbing & Restoration delivers turnkey bathroom rebuild after leak: cause repair → mitigation/dry-down → waterproofed rebuild → tile/vanity/fixtures → paint and punch — all under one accountable PM.
✓ Single team: Source repair → dry-down → rebuild.
✓ Waterproofing done right: Pans/membranes with flood tests.
✓ Code-correct roughs: GFCI/AFCI, venting CFM, valves, drains.
✓ Clean handoff: Phased work, containment, and documentation.
✓ Single team
✓ Waterproofing done right
✓ Code-correct roughs
✓ Clean handoff



What Is Bathroom Rebuild After Leak?
A coordinated reconstruction that starts with a verified-dry shell and ends with a code-compliant, watertight, finished bathroom.
We rebuild the envelope (framing/backer), install a manufacturer-approved waterproofing system, reset tile/panels, update plumbing/electrical/ventilation, and finish with vanity, tops, fixtures, glass, paint, and trim.
Why Choose White Glove Plumbing
Cause-to-cure continuity: Licensed plumbers isolate and fix the source (supply/angle stop, valve, pan, trap/overflow), then our build team restores finishes—no hand-offs.
Wet-area specialists: Proper pre-slope, pans/membranes, flood tests, slope-to-drain, movement joints, and correct transitions at curbs and niches.
Occupied-home pros: Containment, HEPA air management, clean egress, and scheduling that minimizes downtime.
Insurance fluent: Clear split between like-kind covered scope and owner-paid upgrades; adjuster-friendly documentation.



Immediate Actions (What to Do Now)
Shut water to the leaking fixture (or main, if needed) and avoid use.
Photograph damage and retain mitigation files (photos, moisture logs, demo notes).
Don’t DIY patch with caulk/paint; it can trap moisture and delay approvals.
Call our 24/7 dispatcher to schedule a reconstruction planning visit.
Common Scenarios We Handle
Shower pan or liner failure wicking into walls and subfloor
Valve/arm leaks staining ceilings below
Toilet wax ring/closet flange leaks (sometimes Cat 2/3 requiring sanitation)
Tub overflow or drain gasket failures
Cracked grout/failed caulk leading to saturated backer
Hidden leaks behind vanities damaging cabinets and drywall
Leak Isolation, Mitigation & Planning
Confirm source; stage extraction/chambered drying; collect moisture readings; align covered scope vs. upgrade options; set timeline.
Permits, Selections & Pre-Build
Prepare permit package; verify MEP (plumbing/electrical/venting) requirements; finalize tile/vanity/fixtures/glass; order long-lead items and baseline the schedule.
Demo, Structural Repair & Roughs
Controlled removal of wet materials; sister framing/subfloor repair; plumbing rough (valves, drains, venting); electrical/GFCI/AFCI; exhaust fan CFM/ducting.
Waterproofing System & Tests
Pre-slope (as needed); install sheet or liquid membrane per manufacturer; treat corners/curb/niches; conduct 24–48 hr flood test for pans.
Tile/Panel Set & Trim-Out
Flat substrate checks; coverage, slope-to-drain, movement joints; set vanity/top, faucet, shower trim, toilet; lighting and accessories; measure/install glass.
Punch, Clean & Close-Out
Blue-tape punch completed; detail clean; water/temperature/flow tests; deliver closeout packet (photos, SKUs, warranties, care, moisture logs).
What’s Included
Project management & permitting (planning, inspections, schedule control)
Plumbing/electrical roughs & ventilation to code (GFCI/AFCI, fan CFM)
Waterproofing system (pan/membrane, corners/curb/niches, flood test)
Tile/panel installation (flatness, coverage, slope, movement joints)
Vanity/fixtures/toilet/glass set & hook-ups, test & commission
Finish & documentation (paint/trim/caulk; photos, SKUs, warranties)

Costs & Timelines (What to Expect)
Typical duration:
Like-kind replacement (no layout change): 2–3 weeks post-mitigation.
Upgrades (custom tile, linear drain, custom glass): 3–5+ weeks depending on selections/lead times.Key cost drivers: Tile/package level, membrane system, custom glass, plumbing/electrical changes, ventilation, and permit cadence.
Budget clarity: Room-by-room, line-item estimate that separates insurance scope from owner upgrades for clean approvals.

Insurance & Claims Help
Carrier-ready evidence: Mitigation photos/logs, flood-test proof, like-kind comparables, and a clear scope narrative.
Supplements: Hidden rot/subfloor or code upgrades are documented and submitted promptly.
Clean paperwork: Upgrades billed separately; claim dollars remain clear. (Coverage varies by policy; not financial advice.)

Risks of Waiting (Why Act Now)
Mold and odor in saturated cavities/backer boards.
Ceiling and electrical hazards below wet areas.
Escalating structural repairs (subfloor/joists/plates).
Longer displacement and cost creep from material lead times.

Methods, Materials & Quality Standards
Dry-first doctrine: Moisture to local baseline before close-in.
Waterproofing: Manufacturer-approved sheet or liquid membranes, documented flood tests, correct curb/corner/niche detailing.
Tile & slope: Flat substrates, appropriate trowel/coverage, ¼″ per foot slope typical; silicone at changes of plane; movement joints.
Plumbing: Pressure-balanced/thermostatic valves, trap/venting correctness, new wax/seals at toilets; PRV/backflow updates where required.
Electrical & ventilation: GFCI/AFCI compliance; fan CFM to code with exterior termination.
Site controls: Containment, HEPA air management, clean egress, and daily housekeeping in occupied homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we have to replace the shower pan?
After a leak or tear-out, yes—a new, tested system protects performance and warranty.
Can we keep our vanity and only retile?
If the vanity is undamaged and layout allows, yes. We’ll confirm fit and plumbing alignment.
Is epoxy grout required?
Not always. We recommend grout based on tile type and maintenance goals; proper waterproofing matters more.
Can we live at home during the rebuild?
Usually yes. We set containment, keep clean egress, and can help with temporary bath solutions.
Will insurance pay for custom glass and designer tile?
Typically only like-kind. Upgrades are easy to add as owner-paid items on a separate invoice.
How do you ensure it won’t leak again?
Documented flood tests, slope checks, and photo evidence of membrane details, plus a closeout packet for your records.

More White Glove Plumbing Building Restoration Services
Proudly Serving All of Orange County
Address: 1430 E Borchard Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Phone: (949) 209-5206
Email: office@whitegloveplumbingca.com
White Glove Plumbing is locally based in Santa Ana and serves residential and commercial clients across Orange County with 24/7 emergency plumbing and water-damage restoration.
Our expert team handles leak detection, emergency plumbing, water extraction/dry-out, sewage cleanup, mold remediation, and reconstruction in top OC areas including Irvine, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Orange, Tustin, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Fullerton, Yorba Linda, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and San Clemente - plus surrounding neighborhoods.
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CALL (949) 209-5206
1430 E Borchard Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705