Tanking and Concealed Shower Valves

[vince365]

Hi,

I'm planning to install a shower cubicle with a concealed shower valve and I'm concerned about maintaining a watertight installation of the tanking.

I know the valve face plate will be sealed against the tiles using a silicon bead, but I thought the problem was that tiles and grout can be pourus - therefore water can get behind them which is why tanking needs to be installed.

With a waterproof tanking membrane behind the tiles the water can't penitrate any further and will effectivly run down behind the tiles and back into the shower tray.

If there is a gaping hole in the membrane to accomodate the recessed shower valve then surely any water running down the membrane at this point will find a path into the wall?

Am I right to think this could be a potential problem and if so what's the standard method for ensuring a waterproof barrier is maintained?

Cheers,
Vince.

 

[DHTiling]

The worst Water ingression is usually further down the wall...from the base upto about 700mm or so...but you are right if you can get a seal around the valve then even better, but not all configurations allow this...so just try and tank as close as you can and any edges showing around the valve...then seal the cover plate as you say..

 

[Gazebo]

Grohe rapido shower valves are the easiest to install in a tanked area as they come
with a section of tanking membrane (like pipe covers) dedicated for the valve.