Pretty Tile but Poor Drainage

Flipper Fails: Pretty Tile, Poor Drainage

Flipper Fails is a blog series that exposes the shortcuts and surface-level fixes often found in flipped homes—and how to spot them before you buy. Because what looks good on the surface doesn’t always hold up under inspection.

A beautifully tiled shower can make a bathroom feel like a spa retreat—but looks can be deceiving. One of the most common flipper shortcuts? Ignoring proper drainage. While the tile might be Instagram-worthy, poor slope or cheap drain installations can lead to costly problems lurking just beneath the surface.

Real-World Examples
In one flipped home, a shower was redone with trendy stone tile and a decorative drain cover—but there was no slope to guide water toward it. The result? Standing water, slow drainage, and the potential for long-term water damage beneath the surface.

Why It Matters
Proper drainage isn’t just a technical detail—it’s essential. Without it, water can seep into walls and subflooring, causing leaks, mold growth, and expensive repairs. Even worse, the problems may not appear until months after the sale, leaving buyers frustrated and stuck with the bill.

Conclusion
A sleek tile job means nothing if the installation fails at the basics. Function should always come first, especially in areas prone to moisture. Poor drainage is more than an inconvenience—it’s a hidden hazard.

Advice for Buyers
When touring a flipped home, test the shower. Run the water. Watch where it flows—or doesn’t. Don’t be shy about asking who did the work and whether it was inspected. The prettiest bathroom can be a nightmare if it wasn’t built to last.