Shower & Tub Replacement After Leak in Orange County, CA
A leaking shower or tub can saturate walls, subfloors, and ceilings below. The fix isn’t just swapping fixtures—it’s diagnosing the failure, rebuilding the wet area with a tested waterproofing system, and restoring finishes that last. White Glove Plumbing & Restoration delivers turnkey shower & tub replacement after leak: cause repair → mitigation/dry-down → waterproof rebuild → tile/glass/trim—coordinated under one accountable PM.
✓ Single team start-to-finish: Leak repair, dry-down, rebuild.
✓ Waterproofing done right: Pan/membrane systems with flood tests.
✓ Code-correct plumbing: Valves, drains, venting, GFCI/AFCI where required.
✓ Clean, fast handoff: Phased work, containment, and final documentation.
✓ Single team start-to-finish
✓ Waterproofing done right
✓ Code-correct plumbing
✓ Clean, fast handoff
What Is Shower & Tub Replacement After Leak?
A standards-aligned reconstruction that starts with verified dry-down and ends with a code-compliant, watertight enclosure.
We replace failed pans/tubs, rebuild framing/substrates, install a manufacturer-approved waterproofing system, retile or set panels, update the valve/drain, and finish with glass/trim—proofed with tests and documentation.
Why Choose White Glove Plumbing
Cause-to-cure continuity: Licensed plumbers isolate and fix the source (pan failure, valve/arm leak, trap/drain, overflow), then our rebuild team restores the entire assembly—no hand-offs.
Wet-zone specialists: Sheet/liquid membrane systems, pre-slope and slope-to-drain, flood tests, movement joints, and correct transitions at curbs/niches.
Occupied-home pros: Containment, HEPA air management, clean egress, and quiet hours to reduce disruption.
Insurance fluent: Like-kind scope vs. owner upgrades are cleanly separated with photos, logs, and line-item estimates.
Immediate Actions (What to Do Now)
Shut water to the fixture (or main, if needed) and avoid using the bath/shower.
Photograph damage (walls, ceilings below) and keep any mitigation/moisture logs.
Don’t start patching tile or caulk; it can trap moisture and complicate claims.
Call our 24/7 dispatcher. We’ll assess source, stage drying, and plan the rebuild.
Common Scenarios We Handle
Shower pan failures wicking into walls and subfloors
Cracked grout/failed caulk leading to saturated backer and framing
Leaking valve/arm behind the wall, staining ceilings below
Overflow/failed tub drain/overflow gasket leaks
Improper slope causing standing water and recurring leaks
Aging cast iron/steel tubs needing modern replacements
Source Diagnosis & Mitigation
Pressure/flow tests, dye or camera checks as indicated; isolate the leak; begin extraction and chambered drying; document with photos and moisture readings.
Design, Selections & Permits
Define covered vs. upgrade scope; select tile/panels, valve/trim, niche layout, glass; prepare permits and schedule.
Demo & Substrate Repair
Controlled removal of wet materials; framing sistering, subfloor repair, and drain/vent corrections; electrical/ventilation updates where required.
Waterproofing System & Flood Test
Pre-slope (if needed), set pan or form slope; install sheet or liquid membrane to spec; treat corners/curb/niche transitions; 24–48 hr flood test as required.
Tile/Panel Set, Valve/Trim & Glass
Flat substrate tolerance verified; proper coverage and slope-to-drain; set valve/trim, diverter, and head/arm; measure and install glass after tile cures; set accessories.
Punch, Clean & Close-Out
Blue-tape punch, detail clean, water/temperature/flow tests; deliver closeout packet (photos, SKUs, care/warranties, moisture logs).
What’s Included
Leak isolation & dry-down (photos, moisture logs, mitigation as needed)
Demo & structural/substrate repair (framing, subfloor, backer)
Waterproofing system (pan/membrane, corners/curb/niche, flood test)
Plumbing updates (valve, drain/overflow, supply adjustments)
Tile/panel installation & glass (coverage, slope, hardware, caulk)
Finish & documentation (paint/trim, care guide, warranties, closeout)
Costs & Timelines (What to Expect)
Typical duration:
Like-kind replacements (no layout change): 2–3 weeks post-mitigation.
Upgrades (custom tile, niches, linear drain, custom glass): 3–5+ weeks, driven by selections and lead times.Cost drivers: Tile/panel choice and pattern, membrane system, glass type (standard vs. frameless), plumbing changes, ventilation/electrical updates, and permit cadence.
Budget clarity: We provide a line-item estimate separating insurance-covered items from owner-paid upgrades for clean approvals.
Insurance & Claims Help
Carrier-ready evidence: Mitigation photos/logs, flood-test proof, room-by-room rebuild scope, and like-kind comparables.
Supplements: Hidden damage (rot, subfloor compromise, noncompliant venting) documented and submitted promptly.
Upgrades handled cleanly: Betterments (glass, tile, hardware) are on a separate invoice, avoiding claim confusion.x
Risks of Waiting (Why Act Now)
Mold/odor growth in saturated backers and framing
Ceiling damage below and electrical hazards
Escalating structural repairs (subfloor, joists, plates)
Higher costs/time from extended displacement and material lead times
Methods, Materials & Quality Standards
Dry shell first: Moisture verification to local baseline before close-in.
Waterproofing: Sheet or liquid membranes installed to manufacturer specs; curb/corner/niche detailing; movement joints; documented flood tests.
Tile & slope: Flat substrates, correct trowel/coverage, ¼″ per foot slope typical; grout per system with appropriate sealers.
Plumbing: Pressure-balanced/thermostatic valves, new drain/overflow seals, proper trap/venting; PRV/backflow updates where required.
Ventilation & electrical: Fan CFM to code with exterior termination; GFCI/AFCI protection as required.
Site controls: Containment, HEPA air management, clean egress, and daily housekeeping in occupied homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we keep the existing tub and just retile?
If the tub/overflow/drain are sound and compatible with the new waterproofing, yes. We’ll evaluate condition and advise.
Do you always perform a flood test?
For new shower pans—yes. It’s a key performance check and valuable for documentation.
Is epoxy grout required?
Not always. We’ll suggest grout based on tile, maintenance goals, and budget. Proper waterproofing matters more than grout type.
Can we upgrade to a curbless shower?
Often possible with framing changes and careful slope/waterproofing. We’ll inspect feasibility and code impacts.
Will insurance pay for custom glass and premium tile?
Typically only like-kind is covered. Upgrades are easy to add as owner-paid items on a separate invoice.
Can we stay in the home during the project?
Usually yes. We set containment, maintain clean egress, and can help with temporary bathing solutions when possible.
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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1430 E Borchard Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705