It is not unusual for water to penetrate into the grout joints, but perhaps there are excessive voids behind the tiles. Industry standards say you can't have more than 5% voids behind a tile that 5% should be dispersed.
Water will definitely seep into area where the grout is missing and deteriorate the drywall behind the tiles. You need to fix that pronto and check the whole shower for missing or loose grout. Are there any tiles bulging? Hopefully there is no wall damage. Try bleach on the mildew.
Visual Signs of Water Damage Under Shower Tiles
Discolouration or mould growth on shower tiles. Check where the grout is cracked or missing, as this could be a sign that water is seeping through and causing damage.
Standard grout isn't waterproof at all, only epoxy grout is. You can seal regular grout after it dries, but you have to do it every so often or else the grout will begin to absorb water again.
The most likely place for the water to be seeping in behind the tile is where the walls meet the floor. This transition should be caulked with silicone caulking. You can use either clear or a color matched caulk if one is available.
Either you don't have a vapor retarder or it was installed in correctly. You could remove the grout and install an impervious epoxy grout or an ASTM C920 sealant in the grout joints to make it water tight, but the water migration can still cause problems to the marble.
Why is my shower leaking from the bottom? A build-up of pressure can easily cause water to leak from the bottom of your shower. If your shower hose is blocked, this can cause the pressure to increase. Modern showers feature a pressure relief device.
Grout Is Porous
Grout is the sandy, cement-based filler used between tiles. While grout seals the spaces between tiles, it is still porous, meaning water can seep through. Over time, the porous nature of grout allows moisture to penetrate deeper into the wall cavity.
A question we're often asked is, “how long should grout last in my bathroom last?” Grout doesn't last forever and has a lifespan of between eight and sixteen years, depending on your upkeep and treatment in your shower area specifically.
While the tile industry does not require sealing, it is always recommended, especially in wet or high-traffic areas. Penetrating sealers are the most commonly used and offer high water, chemical and stain resistance. They provide protection without changing the appearance of the grout joint.
The most common cause of leaking showers is building movement, causing the weakening and cracking of grout, and damaging the waterproof membrane under the tiles. This usually occurs between the floor and wall joints of the shower recess.
How to Stop Grout Leakages. To maintain the integrity of grout, you will have to apply a grout sealer. It is necessary to apply the sealer after 1 to 2 years so that the grout remains intact and waterproof.
If the damage is sudden, accidental, and comes from inside your home, you're typically protected with a standard homeowners insurance policy. However, you typically won't be covered if the water damage is caused by outside flooding or a neglected repair.
Take a close look at your grout lines before and after wetting them. Be on the lookout for missing grout or obvious holes. These are the likely culprits when you have a leak in a tiled area. All you need to do is apply new grout to any portions that seem vulnerable.
Water seepage caused by caulk failure can result in mold and mildew growth, structural damage, and even health hazards. Addressing water seepage issues promptly is crucial to prevent costly repairs and ensure the health and safety of your family.
Moisture and direct water contact contribute to grout deterioration over time, and eventually, the tiles will crack. This is why you should consider regrouting shower tiles every six months. This is a quick and budget-friendly fix that can restore your bathroom's previous glow immediately.
You can apply new grout right over the top of the old grout. To do this, all you need is a grout removal tool. Use the tool to strike out the old grout, making sure the depth is at least 2mm, which is about the thickness of two dimes stacked one on top of the other.
Cracks, staining, and black mold are some of the signs that your old grout may need to be replaced, but with skilled professionals it can often be renewed.
Cement-based grouts are porous, and if they aren't sealed, they can absorb moisture. This moisture will eventually build up behind the walls and cause extensive harm. As we mentioned above, you may not notice it right away, and by the time you do, you may already have a lot of damage.
One of the tell-tale signs of a water leak coming from a shower valve behind the wall is water stains. If you have an upstairs bathroom, you may notice dried water stains on the ceiling below the shower. Most times shower valve leaks behind the wall are very slow.
To prevent this from happening, a silicone sealant should be used to seal the joints between tiles and other surfaces such as windows, sinks and walls at the edges of splashbacks. If the silicone seal has been broken, this should be removed before applying new sealant.
If you experience water backing up into the shower or sink, it is a surefire sign of a sewer drain clog. Sewer drain clogs can cause sewage and even the toilet to back up into your plumbing system and find its way into your shower drain.
If you suspect water damage, you should take action immediately. The best way to do this is to call a professional to take a look. They will be able to assess the damage and provide you with a plan of action. In the meantime, you should take steps to reduce the amount of moisture in the air.
Common Causes Of Standing Shower Water
Here are some examples: Drain clogs, which can be caused by hair, soap scum, bath liquids, small objects and other kinds of debris. Slow-draining pipes due to an undetected pipe buildup. An incorrect shower base installation.