How To Waterproof Brick Wall In Bathroom – A Definitive Guide

There can be nothing worst nightmare than seeing your bathroom walls leaking water from the drainage and pipes. Also, the bathroom wall may sometimes leak water that builds on the floor and around it. Well, in most cases, these leaks happen if your bathroom walls are built with regular bricks. 

Bricks are made with natural clays that soak water. As the water soaking becomes too much, it will soon start leaking. So, you should waterproof the brick walls. But the question is how to waterproof brick wall in bathroom.

You may use masonry or brick sealers to waterproof the brick walls. Also, for damaged or broken bricks, you need to replace them for waterproofing purposes. Using the brick sealers to waterproof the wall, leave the bathroom unused for 24 hours. It is crucial because the sealer will need 8 to 12 hours to dry and start working properly.

Why Do Brick Walls Aren’t Waterproof?

The answer lies in the bricks’ natural structure and main ingredients. Bricks are made using natural clay. Thus, these bricks have smaller porous in them even after heating and preparing them for years of safe use. The natural porous on the clays will absorb water. 

When the porous are exposed to water for an extended period, water starts seeping through the porous. As a result, you will see that water will start seeping into the other side of the brick walls and make it wet. It happens mostly with the bathroom brick walls around the toilet or shower area. Of course, the scene isn’t pleasing at all. 

Henceforth, you should seal the brick walls in the bathroom to make them waterproof. It will help you avoid unpleasant scenes and water sipping to make your home unhygienic. 

If you see water leaking through the brick wall in your bathroom, you must fix it ASAP. If you delay fixing the damaged walls, wastewater may start sipping through the walls. It will transform your home into a horrible condition. 

Step 1: Inspect the bathroom wall:

As soon as you see brick walls in the bathroom or the shower has started sipping, you must stop the bathroom immediately. It will help the walls as there will be no water around the bricks. Then, try to look closely at the leakage point in the walls. 

Although unpleasant, you should place your hands on the leaking point to feel it. Thus, you may find the damage on the brick walls easily. If there’s any damage on the brick walls, the leakage happens due to the clays’ natural porousness. Regarding this, you must apply masonry or brick sealers on the wall to waterproof it. 

Step 2: Dust and scrub the bricks:

When applying sealer on the brick wall, you must prepare it beforehand. As you see the mortar joints of the bricks, you will find residues, grit, and dust in them. Thus, dust off the bricks with a duster to help the sealer sit on the bricks perfectly. As you use the duster, reach the corners and mortar joints properly because most residues will accumulate there and that will remove the chlorine gas in bathroom. 

Next, you need to scrub the walls. For scrubbing the wall, use warm water with soap. You need to take a sponge and rag to scrub off the brick wall. Alternatively, you can use a sponge too. 

Step 3: Let the brick wall dry:

As you scrub the wall, moisture will build around the bricks. Consequently, bricks with moisture won’t be ideal for sealing. So, you need to let the bricks dry completely. For this, use a dry sponge to soak the additional moisture first. You must repeat this moisture-soaking process multiple times. 

Then, leave the bathroom walls unused for a few hours. It will dry off the moisture from the bricks and their inside properly. As the bricks become drier, it will be easy to apply the sealer. 

Step 4: Prepare the sealer:

We suggest you choose a standard masonry sealer. These sealers will waterproof the bricks from the outside and allow the inside moisture to leave outdoor. You may choose from the following products to waterproof the walls. 

1. RainGuard Water Sealers
2. Eco Advance Concrete/Masonry Siloxane Waterproofer

Once you have chosen your sealer, spread it in the paint tray evenly. It will help you work with the brick sealer better and faster. 

Step 5: Apply the sealer and let it dry :

You will require a paint roller to apply the sealer. Use the paint roller to roll over the sealer in the tray and then roll it over the brick walls. Use the sealer with an angled brush for the mortar joints to reach the nook and crannies perfectly. 

After applying the first coat of the brick sealer, wait for 24 hours. In the meantime, the first coat will dry. Then, apply the second coat of the brick layers following the same instructions. Finally, wait for another 24 hours before starting to use the bathroom. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Can you waterproof brick walls?

Yes, it is possible to waterproof brick walls. Masonry or brick sealers are made to waterproof the bricks by blocking their natural porous perfectly. 

2. Can you have an exposed brick wall in a bathroom?

You may leave brick walls exposed in the bathroom. But for better property management, you should waterproof the walls to keep moisture away. It will ensure less wear and tear on the walls. 

3. Can you have a brick wall in a shower?

There’s no harm in using a brick wall in your shower. Even if you leave the shower walls exposed, it will work perfectly in the shower. 

Conclusion:

Brick walls combine a contemporary look and better longevity of the bathroom walls. Also, bricks are cheaper options too. Hence, you may use bricks to construct the bathroom walls. You will, however, need to waterproof the walls. For this, dry the walls and let the extra moisture soak from them. Then, apply two coats of brick sealers to waterproof the bathroom walls from the inside. It will help you maintain better hygiene in your home as well.