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Plan waterproofing and plumbing before finishes go in. In a bathroom remodel, that means protecting wet walls and floors, confirming drain and valve locations, and updating supply lines when they are worn. Doing this work while the room is open is usually simpler and cleaner than fixing leaks later in Conway, Maumelle or elsewhere in Central Arkansas.

Last reviewed: November 6, 2026 · Serving Conway and Central Arkansas

Water is the biggest long-term risk in a bath. A clear plan for waterproofing and plumbing keeps the remodel on track and protects the structure behind the pretty finishes.

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What to decide before demolition

  1. Keep or move the drain and toilet? Moving a drain or toilet adds plumbing scope. Keeping fixtures in place is often faster.
  2. Tub, shower or both? Showers and tubs need continuous waterproofing in the wet zone. See Bathtub replacement and Walk-in vs. tub-to-shower.
  3. Valve and showerhead height. Confirm comfortable heights for everyone who uses the bath, including handheld options for accessibility.
  4. Vanity plumbing. Sink location, shut-offs and trap clearances affect vanity size. See Choosing a vanity.
  5. Ventilation. A working bath fan helps move moist air out. Pair it with good habits in Preventing mold & moisture.
In older Faulkner County homes, open the walls and you may find mixed pipe materials, clogged vents or soft subfloor. Budget a contingency for hidden plumbing repairs discovered during demo.*

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Waterproofing basics (homeowner view)

1

Define the wet zone

Shower and tub walls, the shower floor or tub deck, and often the floor outside a low-threshold shower need a continuous waterproofing approach suited to the finish system.
2

Prep a sound substrate

Framing and substrate should be solid and dry before waterproofing. Soft spots get repaired first.
3

Install the waterproofing system

Membrane, pan liner or waterproof panel systems are installed per manufacturer instructions, with special care at corners, niches and drain connections.
4

Flood-test when required

Some shower pans are tested with water before walls are closed. Ask what testing your project includes.
5

Finish with compatible materials

Wall panels or tile, sealants and trim must work with the waterproofing underneath. Grout-free wall panels are one option many Central Arkansas homeowners choose for easier upkeep.

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Plumbing updates worth considering while the room is open

  • Replace worn shut-off valves under the sink or at the tub.
  • Update the shower valve if it is outdated, hard to get parts for or does not meet current comfort needs.
  • Confirm the toilet supply and wax seal (or equivalent) when flooring changes.
  • Address low pressure or slow drains before new fixtures are set.
Always shut off water at the correct valve before any fixture work. If you are unsure where the main shut-off is, locate it before an emergency. For after-hours leaks, see Handyman emergencies.

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How this fits a full remodel

Waterproofing and plumbing are foundation steps inside a full bathroom remodel. Packages are Premier $5,000–$7,499, Signature $7,500–$9,999 and Designer $10,000–$12,500+, with the final price confirmed at a free in-home quote. Most shower replacements take about 1–2 days once materials are ready; fuller remodels take longer when vanity, flooring and plumbing moves are included.*

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Frequently asked questions

Choose the finish system early. Waterproofing details change between tile assemblies and waterproof wall panel systems.
Often yes, depending on the city or county and the scope. See Permits in Conway & Faulkner County.
Damaged substrate is repaired before new waterproofing. That discovery work is why open estimates leave room for unseen conditions.*

Full bathroom remodel

Waterproofing, plumbing and finishes in one plan.

Handyman repairs

Fixture and leak repairs when you are not remodeling.

Conway bathroom remodeling

Local remodel help in Conway.

Maumelle bathroom remodeling

Serving Maumelle and nearby communities.
All-Star Renovations has served Central Arkansas since 2014. We are veteran-owned; licensed, insured, and workers’ comp covered; with in-house, certified pros.

*Timelines, costs and results described here are typical examples, not guarantees. Every home is different; your project, pricing and schedule are confirmed in your written estimate and contract.