Bathroom Problems and Bathroom Remodels — Fix It or Rebuild It
A running toilet, a leaky shower valve, cracked tile — or a full bathroom gut. I'll diagnose what's actually wrong, tell you what's worth DIYing, and walk you through the waterproofing details most contractors skip.
Your Custom Bathroom Plan
- Diagnosis for common issues — running toilet, leaky valve, mystery drip
- DIY vs. hire recommendation for each issue
- Tile layout plan with waste factor and cut sequence (for remodels)
- Waterproofing spec for shower walls and pan — the detail that prevents mold
- Vanity and fixture selection with real cost comparisons
- Tub-to-shower conversion plan including drain relocation if needed
- Ventilation requirements and fan sizing
- Permit requirements for your municipality
What Goes Wrong (And How to Avoid It)
- Replacing the flapper when the real problem is the fill valve
- Skipping the membrane on shower walls — leads to water damage inside the wall
- Using cement board without waterproofing behind tile in a wet zone
- Setting tile before the drain is at the right height
- Buying the wrong mortar for large-format tile
- Not sloping the shower pan toward the drain (1/4" per foot minimum)
Bathroom Questions
My toilet runs constantly — is that a repair I can do?
Almost always yes. It's usually a $5–15 flapper or fill valve and 15 minutes of work. I've got a blog post walking through both. If you want a second opinion before ordering the part, send me a photo of the tank guts and I'll tell you which part you need ($9.99 diagnostic report).
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
A full gut and rebuild of a standard 5x8 bathroom is typically 3–5 weekends. The tile work is the longest part — budget one weekend just for the shower walls if you're doing a herringbone or other complex pattern.
Can I convert a tub to a walk-in shower myself?
Yes, in most cases. The main variable is whether your drain can be relocated, which depends on your subfloor. I'll assess your specific situation.
What's the most common bathroom DIY mistake?
Inadequate waterproofing in the shower. This isn't visible after tile goes on — and it causes expensive damage years later. Getting this right is worth more than any single product upgrade.
Bathroom Books and DIY Guides on Amazon
Bathroom Remodel: A Step-by-Step Walk-Through
From Demo to Final Caulk Line
Walk through a bathroom remodel the way I do it in my own homes — waterproofing, tile, vanity, drain relocation, and the order that prevents expensive re-do's.
View on Amazon →Quick-Hit DIY Guides for Bathroom
Real Bathroom Projects, In Photos
See real photos of bathroom repairs and remodels I've done over the years.
See My Projects →Browse More Rooms
Got a bathroom problem? Get a clear read.
Send photos and a few sentences. $9.99 and within minutes I send you a written diagnostic — what's wrong, what to do, parts and costs, when it's a DIY and when to call a pro.
Get a Diagnostic Report — $9.99 →