We install new wet rooms and repair failing ones across St Helens, including WA9, WA10 and WA11. A new wet room starts with a survey of the floor and drainage. A leaking or smelly wet room starts with finding the cause, which is often the drain, the tanking or a floor that moves underfoot.
Part one: a new wet room in St Helens
The borough covers a wide range of homes, from Victorian terraces to post-war semis, newer estates and bungalows. Each needs a slightly different approach, but the steps are consistent.
- Phone call. We ask who the room is for, what they need, and whether an occupational therapist or St Helens Council is involved.
- Visit. We measure, check whether the floor is timber or concrete, trace the waste route and look at walls for rail fixings.
- Written plan and quote. We set out what we propose and why.
- Installation. Strip out, floor and drainage, tanking, wall and floor finishes, shower, rails, seat and electrics by a qualified electrician.
- Handover. We show you how to use and look after the room.
If the main goal is replacing a bath, our bath to shower conversions page is a good place to start. For someone with significant mobility needs, read about disabled wet rooms.
Part two: a wet room that is causing trouble
Wet rooms that were rushed or poorly built can develop problems after a few years. Typical warning signs include:
- Water stains on the ceiling below
- Puddles that do not drain away, or water flowing towards the door
- A musty or drain smell
- Cracked grout or loose tiles, especially near the drain
- Black mould that keeps coming back
- A floor that feels springy or soft
What usually causes it?
Common culprits are a drain that was not sealed properly into the tanking, a floor with too little fall, flexing floorboards that crack the tiles and break the seal, or poor ventilation. Sometimes it is simply a blocked drain trap. We investigate before recommending anything, and if the room needs stripping back we tell you why. More on this is on our wet room repairs page.
If water is coming through a ceiling, stop using the shower and keep the area below clear of electrics. Please do not try to re-seal or re-tank the room yourself, as surface sealants can hide a problem that keeps getting worse.
St Helens Council and grants
St Helens has its own council, so a Disabled Facilities Grant for a new accessible wet room would be applied for through St Helens Council. An occupational therapist normally assesses first, and adults are means-tested. Grants are for adaptations; repairing an existing wet room is usually a separate matter. We cannot promise any grant outcome.
We also cover Prescot and Widnes. Visit the homepage for more about our wet room fitting in Merseyside, or check the cost guide.
New wet room or a problem one in St Helens?
Call 07777 659786 and tell us which. If it is a leak, describe what you can see. We will call back and arrange to come out. Find out more about wet rooms across Liverpool and St Helens on our homepage.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my St Helens wet room smell like drains?
Often the drain trap has dried out, is blocked with hair and soap, or was not fitted correctly. Clearing the drain cover and trap helps if it is a blockage. If the smell persists or water pools, the drain or its connection to the tanking may be the problem and needs checking.
Can a leaking wet room be repaired without ripping it all out?
Sometimes. If the issue is a blocked or poorly sealed drain, it may be fixable locally. If the tanking has failed across the floor, the floor usually needs stripping and redoing. We find the cause first and explain the options.
Which council handles DFGs in WA9, WA10 and WA11?
St Helens Council. Ask them about an occupational therapist assessment and a Disabled Facilities Grant. Adult grants are means-tested, and tenants need their landlord’s consent before work can begin.
How long does a new wet room take in St Helens?
Usually around a week for a typical room, though it depends on the floor, drainage and anything we uncover once the old bathroom is removed. We give you an expected timescale in the written plan.