Roll-in showers, also known as curbless showers or zero-entry showers have become one of the most popular bathroom upgrades for New Jersey homeowners. They’re clean, modern, accessible, and visually seamless. But there’s one question we hear more than any other:
“Will my roll-in shower leak water onto the bathroom floor?”
It’s a fair concern. Removing the curb can make people nervous about water containment and long-term durability. The good news? A properly designed and professionally installed roll-in shower will not leak. But there are several design elements, installation techniques, and drainage details that must be handled correctly to ensure your bathroom stays dry and functional.
In this guide, we’ll answer all the major questions homeowners search for, including:
How roll-in showers manage water
Why some curbless showers leak
Slope and drainage requirements
Shower pan vs. mud bed construction
The role of tile size, grout lines, and waterproofing systems
Glass enclosure options
Everyday maintenance tips
Whether a roll-in shower is right for your home
Let’s dig into how to get a beautiful, accessible shower that doesn’t leak.
A roll-in shower will not leak when it’s built correctly. Water stays inside the shower because of:
Proper floor slope
Correct drain placement
Continuous waterproofing
Adequate showerhead positioning
Optional glass enclosures
Most leaks occur only when the shower was built incorrectly or important design details were missed. With the right remodeling team, a roll-in shower is just as watertight as a traditional shower with a curb.
Since there’s no curb to block water, the floor of a curbless shower is engineered to direct water safely and consistently toward the drain. A successful system includes:
The floor gradually slopes toward the drain, often between 1/8” to 1/4” per foot. This slight pitch is subtle to the eye but powerful enough to guide all water inward.
The entire shower floor and surrounding walls are wrapped in a continuous waterproof membrane. This ensures that even if water gets behind tile (which is normal), it still can’t penetrate the subfloor or leak outward.
Linear drains are especially popular for roll-in showers because they allow the slope to be smoother and more controlled. Center drains also work, but require more precise floor shaping.
The angle and location of the showerhead impacts how far water sprays. When positioned properly, spray stays contained within the wet zone.
Many homeowners choose a fixed glass shower screen for extra splash control while still maintaining a seamless look.
When these components work together, a roll-in shower becomes a completely watertight, user-friendly shower system.
When a curbless shower leaks, it’s almost always due to an installation error. Common causes include:
If the pitch is too shallow, water can pool or spill outward. If it’s too steep, it becomes uncomfortable and unsafe to stand on.
Waterproofing should extend beyond the shower area, not just beneath the tile in the wet zone. Missing or weak membrane installation is one of the top reasons for leaks.
If the drain sits too high, or too far from the water source, it won’t capture water effectively.
Uneven tile can prevent proper drainage. And while grout isn’t waterproof, poor grout work can allow excessive moisture movement.
Improper water direction can push water into dry areas of the bathroom.
A skilled remodeling team understands how each element impacts the next. That’s why choosing the right contractor is key.
Professional remodelers follow industry standards requiring a gentle, even slope toward the drain. This slope:
Must be consistent
Cannot create dips or flat spots
Must allow wheelchair accessibility if needed
Should extend several feet beyond the drain to prevent backflow
A properly sloped shower floor is one of the most important elements of preventing leaks.
You have two main options:
These are long, narrow drains placed at the back, front, or side of the shower. Benefits:
Creates a sleek, modern look
Works well with large tiles
Allows the entire shower floor to slope in one direction
Offers excellent water capture
The classic option placed in the middle of the shower.
Benefits:
Works with traditional tile layouts
Generally more cost-effective
Easy to access for cleaning
Both systems work well, what matters most is expert installation and proper slope.
Waterproofing is the foundation of a no-leak shower. Using premium waterproofing systems like Schluter or Wedi prevents moisture from reaching:
Subflooring
Adjacent rooms
Lower levels
Baseboards and wall framing
Even though tile looks solid, it is not waterproof. Water naturally moves through grout and behind tile. That’s exactly why a high-quality waterproof membrane is essential.
Not always.
Glass can help control splash, but a roll-in shower can function perfectly without a door if:
The shower is sized correctly
The showerhead is positioned properly
The slope is sufficient
A partial glass panel is installed
Open showers are trending for their airy, spa-like feel. However, smaller bathrooms may benefit from a glass panel or door to maximize splash control.
Yes, roll-in showers can absolutely be installed in smaller bathrooms. Key considerations include:
Ensuring the wet zone is deep enough
Using a linear drain to simplify slope
Adding a fixed glass panel if needed
Choosing the right tile size to reduce uneven drainage
Smaller rooms sometimes require more precision in design, but the results can be both functional and beautiful.
Tile selection directly impacts safety, drainage, and overall performance.
Mosaic tiles (2” or smaller) work well because:
They conform naturally to slope
Provide excellent traction
Help prevent slipping
Create smooth water movement
Still an option, but requires:
Perfect slope
A linear drain
Expert installation to avoid lippage
Anti-slip finishes are also a smart choice for safety.
If you want a roll-in shower that stays leak-free, insist on the following:
A full-coverage waterproofing membrane
A professionally engineered floor slope
Proper drain placement
High-quality materials
Correct showerhead positioning
Skilled tile installation
A contractor experienced in curbless design
Cutting corners on any of these steps dramatically increases the risk of water issues.
Roll-in showers are low-maintenance, but a few simple habits go a long way:
Keep drains clear of hair and soap buildup
Squeegee the floor tile occasionally
Maintain grout and sealant lines
Check for slow drainage early
Routine maintenance ensures consistent water flow and long-term durability.
For many homeowners, the answer is yes. Curbless showers offer:
A modern, streamlined look
Increased accessibility
Easier cleaning
A more open, spacious feel
Higher resale appeal
When designed and installed properly, they’re just as leak-proof as a traditional shower—but far more stylish and functional.
A well-designed roll-in shower will not leak. As long as the slope, waterproofing, drainage, and layout are handled correctly, your bathroom floor will stay dry, clean, and safe.
If you’re considering a curbless shower for your home in Morris County, Parsippany, or the surrounding areas, partnering with the right remodeling team makes all the difference.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your bathroom, or want help determining whether a roll-in shower is right for your space, our team is here to guide you. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation or explore our portfolio of recent bathroom remodels.