Keep Your Weep Holes Open

Clogged Weep Holes in Your Shower Stall Will Have You ‘Weeping’

If you are in the process of building a custom stone tile shower, by now you probably know that you need to have the waterproofing done before laying the stone.

Regardless of the waterproofing method chosen (hot mopping, pvc/cpe membranes, etc.) it is essential to make sure the weep holes are kept clear. These holes at the base of the drain provide an escape for all the moisture the shower pan captures and funnels to the drain. If they are clogged, water will build up under the stone tile, which can lead to mold/mildew, stains, and a breakdown of the waterproofing and mud base under the shower under the shower stall.

Specially designed weep hole protectors are available for purchase at some tile stores. A common way for tile setters to protect the weep holes is by placing crushed tile or pea gravel around the drain with a donut hole of brown paper to cover the gravel. Tile setters have also been known to use tile spacers, paper coffee filters, bread, toilet paper, straws, tooth picks, etc. This keeps the mud base from being compacted in the holes. It is also very important to make sure the weep holes are the lowest point of the waterproofing on the shower pan.

Our hot mop shower pan experts are trained to make sure your shower pan is properly sloped to the weep holes. West Coast Hot Mop Shower Pans always leaves weep holes clear when done hot mopping, but it is very important but to makes sure the tile installer also protects the weep holes during tile installation.