What to Know Before Moving Your Shower or Bath

Thinking About Shifting Your Shower Plumbing?

Are you considering moving your shower or bathtub to a different location in your bathroom? Before making a decision, it’s important to understand how factors like drainage setup, pipe access, waterproofing, and your home’s structural design can affect both your renovation process and your budget.

In older Sydney properties or homes built on slab foundations across NSW, even minor changes can reveal unexpected costs or complications if not carefully planned. A rushed decision may lead to poor water flow, leaks, or expensive rework down the line.

Key Takeaways

• Changing the position of a shower or bath alters how water drains—poor design can cause leaks or slow drainage.
• Pipes in older homes, especially those built before the 1980s in Sydney, often need replacing during a renovation.
• Waterproofing the new wet area is legally required. NSW laws mandate waterproofing must comply with Australian standards.
• The floor structure plays a big role—timber floors usually allow more flexibility for plumbing changes compared to concrete slabs.
• Early planning with a licensed plumber helps prevent delays and shields you from costly surprises once work begins.

To ensure your renovation goes smoothly, consider consulting the NSW Fair Trading guidelines or speaking with a qualified professional before moving any plumbing features.

Things to Know Before Moving Your Shower or Bath

Moving a shower or bath might seem like a simple change on your renovation checklist, but there’s a fair bit at play under the surface. I’ve worked on plenty of bathrooms across Sydney—from Bondi terraces to new builds in Penrith—and one thing’s certain: you’ve got to look beyond just where the taps will go.

Why It’s Not Just a Straight Swap

If you’re planning to shift your shower or bath even a couple of metres, you’re not just moving fixtures. You’re changing how plumbing and drainage connect. That means:

• Drainage has to slope: Wastewater needs gravity to flow properly. If you move a shower further from the original drain, it may need a new path with the right fall—or even a pumped system in tricky spots.
• Pipes might need replacing: Older homes often have rusted or incompatible pipes. Jumping in without checking can create bigger headaches later. Need help figuring that out? Here’s a good place to start: do I need to replace old pipes.
• Structural tweaking: In-between floors or concrete slabs need extra planning. Slab homes, common across Western Sydney, often involve cutting into concrete, which isn’t cheap—or quick.

I always recommend getting a plumber involved early. I’ve had clients in Sutherland start demo work, only to hit a concrete slab mid-move and have to rework the whole layout. Better to plan upfront and save yourself the hassle.

You also want to factor in some extra budget space. Shifting plumbing changes your whole timeline and can uncover issues you didn’t know were there. A lot of those wallet surprises are covered here: what to expect with hidden plumbing costs.

What to Plan Before You Move

Before you start choosing new tiles or mixers, here’s what I advise you to lock in first:

• Location of existing pipework: This helps figure out your best (and most cost-effective) options for relocating drains and water lines.
• Type of floor and walls: Timber floors are easier to adjust than a concrete slab. Likewise, solid brick walls take more work to chase than standard gyprock.
• Access to space below: In raised homes, the crawl space gives a lot more flexibility for plumbing changes.
• Compliance and waterproofing: You’ll need to comply with the Plumbing Code of Australia and AS3740 (the waterproofing standard). Always hire licensed pros to handle both—cutting corners here causes trouble later. Read more about how waterproofing fits into renovations here.
• Existing drainage capacity: A bath needs more drainage than a shower, especially if you’ve got low-flow systems elsewhere. Pair that with the right floor waste position, and your plumber will make sure everything drains smoothly.

I run a lot of site visits before the tools even come out. That way we don’t end up needing to break up tiles we just laid or delay things because we didn’t spot a pipe size issue.

Shifting a Shower vs. a Bath

Showers and baths have different needs. Want to switch from one to the other? These are the big differences to keep in mind:

– Showers need precision drainage slope, proper sealing, and sometimes new wall recesses.
– Baths require enough room for the tub body, plus access for plumbing from underneath or the side.
– In small apartments or ensuites, shifting a shower often affects nearby elements—like moving a toilet or vanity. That’s where things get trickier fast.

If you’re thinking about enlarging or refreshing your shower setup too while you’re at it, check out these proper guides on shower renovations or even replacing or relocating your bath.

For anyone moving either fixture, timing also matters. Waterproofing, tiling, drainage—all these follow a clear sequence. Miss one step and you could end up redoing work. Here’s a handy resource I often send clients before starting their job: step-by-step bathroom renovation guide.

How Moving Affects Drainage

Drainage work deserves its own spotlight—it’s that important. A common trap is assuming you can just swing pipes over and call it a day. In reality, incorrect drainage leads to slow draining showers, bad smells, or worse—leaks under your tiles.

If you’re wondering what’s involved, I’ve broken down everything you need to know about how drainage gets affected with fixture moves (including toilets, but a lot applies to baths and showers too).

Need help mapping it all out? I’m happy to come by and do a plumbing layout check before work starts. It saves time and unexpected callouts later.

Local Examples and Advice That Works

I recently worked with a couple in Marrickville renovating a tiny bathroom in a 1950s fibro home. They wanted to swap the bath and shower. Turned out, the original drain fell was too shallow. We had to raise the shower floor slightly and pick a custom screen to fit—but it worked, and they now have much better use of the space.

In Ryde, another client wanted a freestanding bath under the window. We moved the plumbing across 2.5 metres through a timber floor and joists. No slab involved, so drainage was easy—just a bit of underfloor reshuffling and clever pipe routing.

If you’re toying with similar ideas at your place, give me a buzz. Not sure what your layout allows? Let’s talk it through. I can help you plan the job right from the start, so everything flows as smoothly as the finish.

Plumbing and Drainage Considerations Before Relocating Your Shower or Bath

What Actually Changes When You Move a Shower or Bath

Shifting your shower or bath isn’t just about tiles and taps — it affects the whole plumbing setup behind the wall and under the floor. The main thing to keep in mind is drainage. Gravity does the heavy lifting for water flow, so your new layout has to work with the existing fall of the pipes. If your shower or bath ends up too far from the original location, you may need to reconfigure the pipes completely — that can push up costs quickly.

Here’s what usually needs modifying or upgrading:

• Drainage pipes: They must have the right slope to avoid blockages or slow-draining water. A bad fall can mean recurring issues down the track.
• Water supply lines: These might need rerouting, especially if you’re flipping the layout or moving between walls.
• Ventilation lines: Often overlooked, but your fixtures need proper venting to function without gurgling noises or slow draining.
• Structural adjustments: Cutting into floor joists or concrete may be needed, and that’s not something you want to guess your way through.

If you’re thinking about switching from a bath to a walk-in shower or moving either across the room, make sure you’ve got a clear idea of what’s underneath and behind the walls. I’ve seen slabs with no spare fall and units with pipes running through places they shouldn’t. Making informed decisions early helps avoid expensive surprises later.

Not sure how your plumbing lines up? Check out this breakdown on drainage changes — the same logic applies when moving a shower or bath.

Upgrading the Plumbing While You’re At It

Since you’re already pulling things apart, it’s a good time to check whether your existing pipes are up to scratch. Some older Sydney homes still have galvanised or brittle copper lines that won’t meet current standards. I always recommend inspecting the condition of your supply and waste pipes — especially if you’re already investing in new tiling and fixtures.

Here’s when you should consider pipe replacement:

– Your house was built before the 1980s
– You’ve noticed rusty water, low pressure, or ongoing leaks
– The pipe layout makes no sense or fails pressure testing

If you’re unsure, this guide on whether to replace old pipes will help you decide.

Updating the plumbing now saves money in the long run — no one wants to rip up fresh tiles six months later to fix a dodgy pipe. Plus, you’ll know everything behind your walls is solid and future-proof.

Need expert help with planning or upgrades? I’m happy to take a look. Get in touch through our contact page or have a chat about your ideas.

If you’re putting in a new bath or swapping a shower layout, take a look at our shower installations and bath plumbing services – I’ll make sure it’s done right the first time.

What Happens to Plumbing and Drainage When You Move Your Shower or Bath

How Moving Fixtures Affects Plumbing

Shifting your shower or bath isn’t just about knocking out tiles and laying a new base—it completely changes how water gets in and out. When you move either one, you’re changing how the pipes behind the wall and under the floor connect to those fixtures.

Let’s say you’re moving the shower from one side of the bathroom to the other. That means:

– Cold and hot supply lines need to be extended or rerouted.
– The waste water pipes must run at a proper slope to keep your drains working properly.
– Walls and floors might need to be opened up to access everything safely.

You’ll also need to consider compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC) and relevant plumbing standards in NSW. Don’t risk a DIY job here—you need a licensed plumber to get this done legally and safely.

If you’re curious how this all plays out and what your plumber needs to check, have a look at what happens to drainage when moving a toilet. It gives great insight into similar drainage challenges you’ll face when shifting baths or showers.

Hidden Challenges and Extra Costs

Moving plumbing for a bath or shower isn’t a straight swap—it often comes with unexpected costs. Before making decisions, know the potential extras that could pop up along the way:

• Drainage rework: You’ll likely need new trenches or core holes if the shower is moved far from the original drain stack.
• Waterproofing upgrades: New waterproofing membranes are needed around the new fixture location. This can’t be skipped or skimped on—we do a lot of callouts fixing dodgy wet area jobs!
• Old pipes that need replacing: If the area hasn’t been updated in years, your existing copper or PVC might be worn out or undersized.

Learn how to spot and plan for these extras in this helpful write-up on hidden plumbing costs during a bathroom renovation.

If you’re also wondering whether those old pipes should stay or go, check out this handy guide on replacing old pipes during a renovation—it could save you headaches down the line.

Need help deciding if your plumbing setup can handle a move? I’m happy to swing by, take a look, and give honest advice. If you’re starting from scratch or just want a smoother process, the full bathroom renovations service is there to help. And if the shower is giving you grief already, like slow drainage or a mystery leak, I also handle shower leak repairs quickly and properly—no guesswork.

Ready to rework the space? Let’s chat about your plans today.

What to Know Before Moving Your Shower or Bath

Hidden Plumbing Adjustments You Might Not See Coming

Shifting your shower or bath isn’t as simple as dragging it to the other side of the room. Under the tiles and behind the walls, your plumbing layout tells a different story. One of the biggest considerations is how your new layout will connect to existing water and drainage lines.

Here’s what really matters:

Drainage slope and pipe layout: Wastewater needs to flow by gravity, so moving a bath or shower too far may mean reworking the floor or even raising it to maintain fall. This is especially tricky in apartments or slab-on-ground homes in Sydney’s older suburbs like Newtown or Marrickville.
Ventilation pipes: These stop nasty smells by balancing air pressure in your drains. Moving your shower or bath might require rerouting vents, which may involve ceiling or roof work.
Hot and cold water rerouting: Rerouting copper or PEX piping isn’t just about length. You also want to ensure pressure balance and temperature stability, especially if others are using water elsewhere in the house.

If you’re wondering how drainage might be affected, have a look at this detailed guide on what happens to drainage when you move a toilet. It covers similar ground and gives you a better picture of what’s involved behind the walls.

What It Can Mean for Your Renovation Costs

Changing your layout can quickly bump up renovation costs. Shifting major fixtures like showers and baths often triggers additional plumbing work, demolition, waterproofing, and maybe even structural changes. It’s not just the physical move—it’s everything connected to it.

Common hidden costs include:

• Cutting and reinstating concrete slabs or timber floors
• Rewaterproofing affected areas
• Possibly upgrading old pipes to meet current codes

—if your plumber uncovers aging or corroded pipes, replacing them while everything’s exposed just makes sense. Here’s a solid read on whether to update old pipes during your bathroom renovation.

If you’re budgeting for the job, check out this article on hidden plumbing costs in bathroom renovations. It’ll help avoid surprises and give you a more realistic sense of what to expect.

To keep things cost-effective and code-compliant in NSW, I always recommend getting a licensed plumber involved early. It can save you a lot of headaches (and a fair bit of cash) down the road.

Waterproofing and Certification

Once you’ve moved your shower or bath, you’ll need to make sure the new layout is properly waterproofed and certified. Sydney councils and insurance companies won’t muck around if water damage pops up and there’s no valid waterproofing certificate.

Here’s what proper waterproofing includes:

Prepping the new area: This means ensuring surfaces are clean, level, and ready for membrane application.
Membrane application: Applied to floors and walls up to required heights. Showers usually need more coverage than a bath area due to daily water exposure.
Inspection and certification: Must be done by someone licensed. You’ll need this paperwork for council approvals or future insurance claims.

Thinking of moving a shower to a different wall or converting your bath into a walk-in model? Then you’ll want to book the right team for bathroom waterproofing services to stay above board.

Design with Plumbing in Mind

Don’t just think tiles and tapware—make sure your new design actually works with your plumbing. Otherwise, you’re open to budget blowouts and messy reworks. Here are a few smart design tips I always pass on to clients:

• Keep it close to existing connections: The closer your new location is to existing pipes, the cheaper and easier the job.
• Plan around your drainage: Especially important in apartment bathrooms where ceiling access is limited.
• Futureproof your space: If the reno opens walls or floors, it’s a good time to check pipe condition or even upgrade any dodgy joins.

One client in Ashfield wanted to rotate their whole bathroom layout but ran into hidden mains beneath the slab. After weighing up rerouting costs, they opted for a fresh shower unit instead, just off the original spot. Saved thousands—and the upgrade still looked fantastic. If you’re thinking of revamping around a new bath or shower, jump into our handy complete bathroom renovation guide to help map it all out.

Need help fast? Reach out to get your shower relocated and plumbed properly without the fuss. Or if your heart’s set on a fresh soaking tub, chat to me about bath installation across Sydney and what’ll actually work in your space. Not sure if your pipes can handle the move? I’m happy to take a look and talk it through with you.

Plumbing and Waterproofing Considerations When Relocating Your Shower or Bath

Moving the Plumbing – What’s Involved

Relocating a shower or bath in your bathroom isn’t just about pushing things around on a floor plan. The pipes hidden in your walls and under your floor play a big role in what’s possible. If your plumbing system wasn’t built with a future layout change in mind, moving the shower or bath could mean rerouting both water supply lines and drainage pipes. That adds labour, cost, and sometimes, time.

In single-storey Sydney homes on concrete slabs, for example, moving a shower often requires cutting into the slab to access and redirect the pipes. In older homes across NSW – especially those with timber floors – there’s often better access beneath the house, which can keep things simpler.

Relocating the drain is the big-ticket item. Drainage pipes rely heavily on gravity, so they need a continuous downward slope. That’s why even moving a fixture by half a metre means reassessing pipe gradients and clearance. If you’re looking at a major shuffle or switching sides of the room, I’d recommend having your plumber check how the fall of the drain pipe will work before you start planning your new layout.

Need help early on? It’s worth checking out this guide on what happens to drainage when you move a toilet – it gives a great insight into the challenges, many of which are similar to baths and showers.

Waterproofing, Compliance & Long-Term Protection

Any time you shift the layout of wet areas, waterproofing can’t be an afterthought. You’re opening up floors and walls, removing tiles, and making new junctions between old and new surfaces. This means your waterproofing has to be reapplied properly—and that’s non-negotiable under NSW building codes.

What I often see in older Sydney apartments and houses is patchy waterproofing jobs from earlier renos. So if you’re already making changes, it’s smart to do the job thoroughly now and prevent leaks later. Here’s what I focus on during bathroom waterproofing:

• Re-waterproof any floor or wall areas affected by the move
• Pay close attention to corners, joints, and around pipe penetrations
• Use certified waterproofing products recommended for your area (especially important in coastal or damp environments)
• Always ensure it complies with AS3740, the Australian Standard for bathroom wet area waterproofing

If you’ve got doubts, don’t guess—get a professional to take a look. You can read more about our waterproofing services here.

And don’t overlook compliance. Any change to plumbing setup usually means calling in a licensed plumber and potentially having council approval or certifications, depending on the size of your project. This isn’t just red tape—it’s protection. A waterproofing failure down the track can leak straight into your neighbour’s unit or cause major floor damage. I’ve been called in to fix those too many times.

Before you switch things around, check out this article on hidden plumbing costs in bathroom renovations – it helps you stay ahead of surprise expenses.

Here are some quick tips to keep in mind if you’re moving your bath or shower:

– Always cap and seal off old plumbing points properly
– Choose shower bases and bath designs that suit the new location’s drainage angle
– Avoid placing fixtures where future access for repairs would be limited

If your existing pipes are rusted, corroded, or dated—like the old galvanised steel we often pull out in Inner West terraces—you might even want to replace them during the reno. There’s a helpful rundown on when replacing old pipes is a good idea.

Doing it properly now avoids headaches six months down the line.

Just one final pointer—always test for leaks after your new install, and get your shower leak repairs sorted before finishing the job, no matter how small the drip.

Planning your entire renovation layout? Dive into this guide to plumbing planning so you can avoid delays once demolition starts.

If all this sounds like a bit to juggle, don’t stress—I’m happy to talk through your bathroom move, give advice over the phone or come take a look. You can get in touch via our contact page.

Waterproofing, Drainage and Plumbing Lines

Shifting your shower or bath isn’t as simple as picking a new spot and calling it done. Underneath your tiles are pipes, drains, and waterproofing layers that all have to work together. Get this part wrong, and you could end up with leaks, slow drainage, or worse—flooding damage behind freshly renovated walls. Here’s what you need to know before moving things around.

Drainage Needs Careful Planning

Gravity does most of the work when it comes to draining your shower or tub. That means the new location has to connect properly to the existing drainage line without creating uphill battles for your water to escape. If you’re thinking of shifting your shower across the room or putting your bath under a window, keep this in mind:

• Proximity to the main stack: The further away your new bath or shower is from the main vertical waste pipe (called the stack), the harder it is to keep everything flowing downwards.
• Floor height adjustments: Sometimes you’ll need to raise the floor slightly to create a good fall for the pipework. This is often done with a step or a small platform under a bath.
• Trap and venting requirements: Plumbing codes require that drainage includes a water trap and proper venting so smells and gases don’t come back up into your bathroom.

Don’t overlook that part—every fixture change can affect airflow in your pipes.

If you’re planning major layout changes, start with understanding the impact on drainage. This guide on drainage when you move a toilet also applies heavily to showers and baths.

Waterproofing and Plumbing Adjustments

Waterproofing protects your home from leaks that can rot timber frames and damage everything underneath—walls, ceilings, even flooring in the room below. In NSW, you legally need a licensed professional to do waterproofing, and for a good reason. If you move your shower or bath and don’t address waterproofing, you’re risking a complete do-over in a few months.

Here’s why waterproofing is such a big deal:

New wall or floor areas need sealing: The areas around your new fixture location must be prepped and sealed with waterproof membrane. That includes the floor, wall junctions, and penetration points for taps and drains.

Old waterproofing might need repair: If you’re removing a previous bath or shower, the area it leaves behind will need attention. Patch repairs usually aren’t good enough, so full re-waterproofing is often better and longer-lasting.

Compliance certification matters: After the job’s done, you’ll need a certificate of compliance for waterproofing if you plan to rent or sell in the future.

If you’re after a reliable finish from a team that does this work every week across Sydney, I recommend checking out our licensed waterproofing service.

On the plumbing side, every fixture change means rerouting water supply lines, especially hot water. Make sure that:

• Existing pipes have enough pressure to serve the new location.
• Old or corroded pipes are replaced, not reused. Have a read of this post on replacing old pipes during a bathroom reno if you’re unsure.
• Your shower mixing valve is installed at the right depth. Bathroom walls aren’t all the same thickness—if your new wall is thinner, your old mixer might sit too far forward.

If you’re working with a professional, they should walk you through these before any tiling starts.

Key Checks Before You Move Your Bath or Shower

Before taking that sledgehammer to your tiled walls, tick off these essentials. These checks can save you thousands down the track.

• Do you have access to existing plumbing? In older homes around the Inner West or Northern Beaches, pipe maps are vague. I often use small camera inspections or controlled break-ins to locate services without destroying entire floors.
• Have you budgeted for hidden costs? Shifting plumbing can reveal nasty surprises. More info here on hidden plumbing costs to watch out for during renos.
• Is there enough fall for proper drainage? Don’t know? I’m happy to come by and assess it for you.
• Can your new location be waterproofed fully? Moving a bath closer to timber walls or awkward corners may limit proper membrane application.
• Will your fixtures fit? Seems obvious, but tubs vary in size, and relocating showers means redoing both waterproofing and fall for the new tray area.

If you’ve still got layout questions or you’re not sure what’s involved, take a look at our full bathroom renovation guide for Sydney homes—it covers what to plan, expect, and double-check.

Need a second opinion on what works best with your bathroom layout? I offer plumbing consultations to chat through your plans. You can find help with shower upgrades or new bath installation from repairs to full rebuilds.

Not sure what’s going on behind your walls? That’s okay. Reach out through the contact page and I’ll take a proper look at what’s possible.