7 Common Waterproofing Myths (And the Real Truth Behind Them)

There’s a ton of bad info out there about waterproofing. Whether it’s well-meaning advice from your neighbor or DIY hacks you saw on social media, a lot of what people believe just isn’t true — and believing those myths could cost you big.

At Infinity Shower Pans, we’ve seen it all — the botched jobs, the false confidence, the water damage that could have been avoided. Let’s cut through the noise and break down the most common waterproofing myths that still trip people up today.

1. Myth: Tile Is Waterproof

Let’s start with the classic. Nope. Not even close. Tile is water-resistant, not waterproof. Same goes for grout. Water can (and will) seep through both, especially over time. The real

waterproofing lives under the tile — in the shower pan, hot mop, or membrane layer. If that layer’s missing or poorly installed? You’re in for a mess.

2. Myth: You Don’t Need to Waterproof Roman Tubs

Roman tubs are deep, often built-in, and hold a lot of water. But because they don’t have jets or plumbing like jetted tubs, some people think they’re “safe” from leaking. Wrong. These tubs still need a waterproofed base, proper slope, and hot mop application. Otherwise, water eventually seeps into the floor and framing. We’ve seen it destroy subfloors under brand-new tile.

3. Myth: Paint-On Sealers Are Good Enough for Balconies

A coat of waterproofing paint isn’t going to cut it. It might look like it’s sealed, but under that paint, water is still making its way through cracks, seams, and joints. A proper exterior waterproofing job for a balcony or deck requires a full multi-layer system — slope, flashing, membrane, drain installation — not a quick coat and hope for the best.

4. Myth: You Only Need Waterproofing If You See a Leak

This is like saying you only need brakes when your car crashes. By the time you see signs of water damage — stains, soft spots, mold — the water’s been doing damage behind the scenes for weeks or months. Waterproofing is preventative. If you wait for visible leaks, you’ve already lost the battle.

5. Myth: DIY Waterproofing Is Just as Good (and Cheaper)

This one’s tempting, especially with all the YouTube tutorials out there. But real talk? Waterproofing isn’t something you want to guess at. It’s about layers, slopes, curing times, drainage — and one wrong move means trapped moisture, mold growth, or complete failure. We’ve fixed more failed “budget” jobs than we can count. In the end, it costs

more to fix a bad waterproofing job than to do it right the first time.

6. Myth: Membrane Systems Are Always Better Than Hot Mop

Not necessarily. Both hot mop and membrane systems have their place — but hot mop (especially when done with the right technique) is often more durable in high-use areas like showers and tubs. At Infinity Shower Pans, we use a proprietary hot mop method that’s been refined for long-lasting performance. It’s not just about the material — it’s how it's installed that makes the difference.

7. Myth: You Can Skip Waterproofing on Flat Roofs if You Have Good Drainage

Even a flat roof with “great” drainage needs waterproofing. Standing water, even for a few hours after rain, will test every seam and membrane. Without a sealed surface like torch down or proper flat roof waterproofing, water will creep under the surface and rot out the layers beneath — fast. Flat roofs are especially vulnerable because they don’t shed water like sloped ones. Protect them properly.

Don’t Let Myths Cost You Thousands

Bad waterproofing advice can wreck your home. Whether it’s a bathroom, deck, planter, or roof — getting the job done right means lasting protection, less stress, and no ugly surprises.

Want peace of mind? Call Infinity Shower Pans at . We’ll make sure your waterproofing is based on real expertise — not myths.