Do I Need New Plumbing for a Walk-In Shower?

Installing a walk-in shower involves more than just replacing a few fixtures—especially in Sydney homes built before the 1990s. Many of these properties have outdated plumbing that may not meet today’s expectations for water flow, drainage, or system layout. Whether I’m improving style, accessibility, or overall function, I need to check if the current plumbing supports the demands of a walk-in setup.

Key Takeaways

• I’ll likely need new plumbing if I relocate the shower, shift the layout, or renovate an older home.
• Updates often include larger drain pipes, redirected water lines, and upgraded pressure systems.
• Many Sydney houses still rely on old copper or galvanised piping, which can cause low water pressure or future leaks after renovations.
• Walk-in showers usually need shifted drains and quality waterproofing to avoid standing water and meet NSW building standards.
• Getting the plumbing checked early helps me dodge surprise expenses, water issues, or compliance problems during construction.

Do I Need New Plumbing for a Walk-In Shower?

Upgrading to a walk-in shower can make a massive difference to your bathroom, both in style and practicality. But before you start picking tiles and screens, it’s worth taking a good look at your current plumbing setup. A simple swap isn’t always so simple, especially in older Sydney homes where the pipes behind the scenes might not be ready for change.

When You’ll Likely Need New Plumbing

Unless you’re swapping out an existing shower with a walk-in of the same size and location, chances are you’ll be doing more than just cosmetic work. There are a few common reasons why new plumbing could be on the cards:

• Changing the layout: If you’re moving the shower to a different part of the bathroom—say, to open up space or take advantage of natural light—you’ll need to change the plumbing routes. Existing drain and water lines may not reach, or may not be suitable for the new direction. This is especially true in older suburbs like Newtown or Ryde where the original layout can be tricky to work around.
• Old or damaged pipes: If your plumbing is decades old, it’s worth checking whether those pipes should be replaced now rather than later. Older copper or galvanised pipework can corrode over time and affect water pressure. Before sealing everything back behind walls and tiles, it pays to consider this. Here’s a deeper look at whether you should replace old pipes during a bathroom reno.
• Poor water flow: Walk-in showers generally benefit from good water pressure and fast drainage. If your existing system doesn’t support that, think about upgrading pipes for better water flow. It’s easier than you’d think and improves your daily shower experience.
• Shower drainage position: You’ll typically want the drain centrally located for even water flow and faster drying. That may mean moving it, which will require plumbing changes. It’s one of the key things to think about before relocating your shower or bath.

Plumbing Considerations Before You Build

Whether you’re managing the project yourself or working with a bathroom renovator, sorting out the plumbing first saves time and money down the track.

Here’s what I suggest checking before any demolition or installations kick off:

• Pipe condition and compatibility
• Exact position of water lines and fittings
• Drainage gradient and existing fall
• Space underneath for plumbing access (especially in slab homes)
• Waterproofing compliance with NSW code

Many homeowners overlook these technical bits and focus more on finishes and fixtures. That’s where the most common plumbing mistakes in bathroom renovations happen. Trust me, sorting plumbing properly before tiling avoids surprise costs and delays.

If you’re working with tight space, like an ensuite or apartment bathroom, it’s even more important to get those details right. Walk-in showers can be very efficient with space, but if drainage or head height isn’t considered, you could end up with water pooling or poor pressure.

Need help planning the plumbing side of your reno? Here’s a simple breakdown on how to plan plumbing for a bathroom renovation that will save you hassle later.

Get It Installed Right the First Time

Getting your walk-in shower hooked up properly isn’t just about convenience—it’s crucial for long-term reliability. I’ve been called out to loads of homes around the Hills District and Inner West where DIY bathroom jobs ended in leaks and damage.

To avoid that drama:

• Use a licensed plumber to install or reroute water and waste pipes.
• Get pressure tested before waterproofing starts.
• Make sure the waterproofing complies. You can find support with experienced waterproofing services here.
• Plan the type of mixer or diverter you’ll use in advance.
• Choose the right screen and slope toward the drain so there’s no pooling.

Not sure who to trust? I offer reliable plumbing installations and full shower renovation support for walk-ins and upgrades just like yours.

Walk-in showers are low maintenance, accessible, and sleek—but only if the plumbing’s done right. If you’re getting started on your reno, or just tossing up options, reach out for a quick chat. Or if you want to dive into the details now, keep an eye on potential hidden plumbing costs in bathroom renovations so your budget stays on track.

Do I Need New Plumbing for a Walk-In Shower?

What You’ll Likely Need to Upgrade

Planning to swap out that old tub for a sleek walk-in shower? You’ll probably need to make a few plumbing upgrades to get things working as they should. Older bathrooms across Sydney – especially in homes built before the ’90s – often use narrower pipes and outdated drain setups. These just aren’t cut out for the demands of modern showers.

Here’s what typically needs attention:

• Drain size: Many older showers have a 40mm drain. Most walk-ins use a 50mm drain to handle the higher flow rate without pooling water.
• Water pressure: Low flow from your showerhead? That could mean the pipes behind the wall are old or clogged with buildup. Upgrading to newer pipework can make a noticeable difference.
• Placement of the plumbing: Walk-in showers often move connections such as the mixer and showerhead higher or further across the wall. You might need pipe rerouting to suit the new layout. If you’re changing the shower location altogether, don’t miss this guide on what to consider before moving your shower.

If you’re already gutting the bathroom, it’s smart to ask – “should I replace my old pipes while I’m at it?” The short answer: usually yes, especially if they’re copper or gal. Long-term, it’s a smarter use of your money.

Other Factors That Could Influence Plumbing Needs

A few other things can bump up the need for plumbing upgrades. These often catch Sydneysiders off guard mid-renovation if they haven’t been planned for early.

Let’s break down a few:

• Waterproofing & drainage angles: A walk-in shower floor needs to slope just right to stop puddles forming. That can mean altering your subfloor and waste outlet. I can help line this up with proper bathroom waterproofing so it’s both watertight and council compliant.
• Hidden issues: Got timber rot, a leak behind tiles, or pipes that don’t meet today’s standards? These are easier and cheaper to sort while the bathroom’s stripped back. Read about common hidden plumbing costs so there are no nasty budget surprises.
• Improving water flow: If you’ve got low water pressure or fluctuating hot and cold temps, that’s usually a red flag. Check out my tips on upgrading bathroom pipes for better flow before locking in your new shower.

Whether you’re doing a full bathroom renovation or just updating your shower, it’s worth getting the plumbing assessed properly. A licensed plumber like me can check if your current setup’ll handle the upgrade or if you’ll need new pipework, fittings, or drainage.

Not sure if your plumbing’s up to it? I offer expert plumbing installations and am happy to take a look. Or if you’re ready to get things moving, I can help with fully-fitted walk-in shower installations too. Give me a call and let’s make sure your new bathroom not only looks great but flows perfectly.

Factors That Determine If You Need New Plumbing

Installing a walk-in shower can be a game-changer—more space, better access, and a cleaner look. But whether your plumbing needs to be updated or replaced depends on a few key factors.

What Could Mean You Need New Plumbing

There are several things I always check before starting a job like this. In many Sydney homes, especially the older brick ones in areas like Marrickville or North Shore, the original pipes aren’t made for modern shower systems. Here’s what might mean you need to upgrade:

• Old or damaged pipes: If your bathroom has copper or galvanised steel pipes from decades ago, they might be clogged or corroded. That’s bad news for your water pressure and your walk-in shower’s performance. If you’re not sure how old your plumbing is, take a look at this guide on replacing old pipes.
• Changing the layout: If your new shower isn’t going in the same spot as the old one, the pipes will need to be re-routed. That could mean fresh pipework and changes to the drain placement too. It’s covered in more detail in our post about moving your shower or bath.
• Water pressure issues: Walk-in showers often come with larger or multiple shower heads. If your existing plumbing isn’t wide enough—or if it’s gunked up with sediment—you’ll get weak water flow. Upgrading may be the only way to fix it properly. For tips, check out how to improve your water flow during a reno.
• Drainage compatibility: Walk-in showers sometimes have linear or wall drains. These need precise fall and pipework adjustment to work without pooling water on your floor. So, your old bathroom drains may need modifying.

Doing any plumbing update isn’t just about making your new shower look good—it’s about making it last.

Need help figuring out what’s behind your walls? I’m always happy to pop by and take a look. You can start with a quick chat here.

If you’re still in planning mode, see how to avoid common issues in our post on common renovation plumbing mistakes.

And if your shower reno is already locked in and you’re thinking, “Now what?”, my installation service covers everything from pipe replacement to final fixture fit-off. Keen to get started? Book in with a local bathroom plumber near you today.

When to Replace Plumbing for a Walk-In Shower

Signs You’ll Need New Pipes

Not every shower upgrade calls for new plumbing, but there are situations where it just makes sense—or is absolutely necessary. I’ve worked on plenty of bathrooms around Sydney where old copper pipes or makeshift sewer fittings have led to slow drains, pressure drops, and even leaks during renovations. Keep an eye out for these:

• Old or corroded pipes: If your home’s plumbing is original and you’re in an older area like the Inner West or North Shore, there’s a good chance the pipes are decades old. You might find corrosion, rust or even full-blown cracks hiding behind the tiles. Changing out the pipes before you lay new tiles or fit your shower saves you headaches down the track.
• Ongoing water pressure issues: If you’ve already got low pressure or fluctuating temperatures when someone turns on a tap elsewhere in the house, that’s a red flag. Installing a modern walk-in shower with multiple outlets or a rainfall head might make it worse without upgrading your plumbing.
• Drainage problems: A walk-in shower needs proper fall and drainage to avoid pooling water. If your current pipe diameter is too narrow, or you’ve had blockages before, now’s a good time to upgrade. Want better drainage flow and piping advice that fits your shower layout? Here’s a guide on upgrading pipes for better water flow.
• Changing shower location: Moving your shower? Then yes, expect to update the plumbing. And not just a bit—this often means cutting into slabs or walls. If you’re thinking about relocating the bath or shower, check out this quick resource on what to know before moving your shower.

How to Know If It’s Time

If you’re unsure whether your plumbing will hold up to a new walk-in build, start with a proper inspection. I usually test for leaks, water pressure, and visible wear. If I find pinhole leaks in copper or signs of previous patch-ups, it’s safer—and cheaper long term—to re-do it during the reno rather than patch it and hope for the best.

Thinking about a full refresh? Walk-in showers are popular right across NSW, from Bondi units to Hills District family homes. They look sharp, but they need appropriate waterproofing too. I often recommend reviewing both piping and waterproofing during a reno to make sure everything meets modern standards.

You’ll also want to avoid common mistakes that lead to regrets (and extra costs). Get on the front foot by reading about common plumbing mistakes in bathroom renovations. Trust me—you don’t want to tile over leaky pipes.

And if you’re still unsure whether your pipes are due for a change, this piece on whether to replace old pipes during a bathroom renovation helps clear things up.

Need someone honest to take a look at your bathroom’s plumbing? I’m always happy to give you straight advice. You can learn more about walk-in shower installations or simply reach out for a chat.

Do I Need New Plumbing for a Walk-In Shower?

When New Plumbing Makes Sense

If you’re converting to a walk-in shower, there’s a good chance the plumbing will need updating. The layout and water demands are different from a standard bath or enclosed shower, and older pipes may not keep up.

Here’s when it’s worth installing new plumbing:

• Poor water pressure: If your current shower stream is weak or inconsistent, your pipes might be the bottleneck.
• Outdated materials: Homes built before the ’90s in Sydney often used galvanised piping, which corrodes and narrows over time. That affects flow and can cause rusty water.
• Leaks or rust: Any signs of moisture behind walls or under tiles are a red flag your plumbing needs work.
• Layout changes: Moving your tapware or showerhead means adjusting pipe runs, drains, and possibly the floor slope. This usually calls for new plumbing lines.

If you’re not sure about your current setup, I’m happy to take a look and give you honest advice. Doing a quick assessment early can save you big in the long run.

Upgrades Worth Considering

Even if your existing setup could technically support a walk-in shower, some upgrades can give you a better finish, stronger performance, and fewer issues down the track.

Think about:

• Pipe size and layout: Swapping old 15mm pipes with modern 20mm ones can improve water flow. While you’re opening up the walls or floor, it’s the best time to do this. Here’s how to improve water flow during a reno.
• Drain position and fall: A walk-in shower needs a precise slope to drain properly without pooling. This might need new pipework and adjusting the subfloor.
• Shower mixers and heads: Some low-pressure systems won’t be compatible with modern mixers or dual showerheads. Check that your plumbing can support your design choices.

While not always essential, these upgrades can really boost the comfort and lifespan of your reno. You’ll also avoid common issues, like the ones we’ve seen a lot of in DIY bathroom jobs gone wrong.

Keep in mind that hidden plumbing updates—like relocating drains or installing shower niches—can carry extra costs. You can see some of the typical surprise expenses in this article on hidden renovation costs.

If you’re planning to move your shower to a new location entirely, check out what’s involved in moving your shower before picking tiles or screens.

Need help with the full setup? My team does complete walk-in shower plumbing installs, including waterproofing and drainage that ticks all the NSW compliance boxes.

Ready to get started? Give me a ring or send a quick message. Let’s sort out your pipes before the tilers arrive.

Plumbing Considerations for Walk-In Showers

Signs You’ll Likely Need New Plumbing

Upgrading to a walk-in shower often means your existing plumbing setup may not cut it. Especially in older Sydney homes, pipe layouts and water pressure may not be suited to a more modern design. Here’s what I look for to help you determine if an update is needed:

• Outdated or corroded pipes: If you’ve still got galvanised steel or old copper pipes running behind your walls, they may be near the end of their life. Installing a new shower on them would be a temporary fix at best. You don’t want to tear apart your fresh tiling just to replace a section of pipe a few months down the track.
• Signs of low water pressure: Poor flow to your shower head? Might be a restriction in old or undersized pipes, especially if your home’s plumbing hasn’t been updated in decades.
• Shifting the location: Changing the position of your shower, drain, or taps often means rerouting pipes. That’s a clear sign that new plumbing work is needed. If you’re seriously considering a layout change, take a quick look at what to know before moving your shower or bath—it’s worth a read before getting started.
• Poor drainage or old traps: If your existing drainage is slow or built with outdated S-traps, I’ll likely recommend a modern P-trap system for better flow and hygiene.
• Compliance with modern codes: Plumbing standards have changed over the years. New installs have to meet today’s codes, especially if waterproofing or drainage is involved.

Don’t skip checking what’s behind the wall before locking in your design. If you’re unsure about the condition of your pipes, this guide on whether to replace old pipes during a bathroom renovation can point you in the right direction.

When You Might Not Need New Plumbing

You might be in luck if your current plumbing is relatively recent, you’re keeping the shower position where it is, and everything’s been working fine up to now. But even in that case, I recommend having it inspected. Minor upgrades—like larger diameter pipes to improve pressure or newer fittings—might still be smart.

In plenty of Sydney renos I’ve worked on, we’ve been able to keep the layout nearly identical, clean out the pipes, upgrade some joints, and pop in the new shower without major plumbing rewiring. It’s faster and easier on the wallet if everything checks out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When installing a new walk-in shower, some of the most avoidable plumbing slip-ups happen early on. Save yourself the trouble by watching out for these:

• Picking style over function—like trendy tapware that doesn’t match your pressure.
• Skimping on underground or in-wall pipework, which ends up costing more long-term.
• Forgetting to upgrade drainage to suit your new, larger shower base.

If you’re deep into planning, check out this list of common plumbing mistakes in bathroom renovations. It’s based on real fixes I’ve had to sort out for other clients.

Costs to Expect

New plumbing adds cost, but it’s worth budgeting for if you want the job done right. Expect to factor these in for walk-in shower installations:

• Demolition or cutting into slab (if needed)
• New pipe runs for water and waste
• Valve and mixer installations
• Waterproofing costs
• Council approval and inspections, depending on scope

Need more help understanding what’s included? This guide on hidden plumbing costs during bathroom upgrades breaks it down.

How to Plan Your Plumbing the Right Way

A walk-in shower should blend good looks with great function. I always recommend planning your plumbing early—and with your plumber onboard from the start. That way, you can make smart choices about layout, pressure, and drainage before any tiles go down.

Use this detailed overview on planning plumbing for your bathroom renovation to get ahead before you hit “go.” You’ll save time and unexpected costs during the build.

For installations done right the first time, you might want to book through my plumbing installation services. I’m based locally and happy to help across Sydney and surrounding areas.

Upgrade Pipes for Better Pressure and Flow

If your old walk-in shower had weak pressure, there’s a good chance the pipes are too narrow or partially clogged. While not always essential, a pipe upgrade could make your shower feel brand-new—even if you haven’t moved a single wall.

Here’s why pipe upgrades might be worth it:

• Reduce noise from water hammer or vibration
• Help your new fittings operate as designed
• Prevent scale build-up from older copper lines
• Support consistent hot and cold mix

Take a look at this step-by-step piece on how to upgrade bathroom pipes for better water flow. It breaks it down if you’re curious what’s involved.

If you’re not sure what’s going on behind your tiles, I’m happy to take a look. Just give me a buzz through the contact page or request a quote. I’ll work with your builder or designer to keep your project smooth and stress-free.

Need shower-specific help? You can also browse my walk-in shower services for more ideas on what’s possible.