What causes pinholes in grout?

Author: Jarrod Zulauf  |  Last update: Saturday, November 1, 2025

Grout is a very delicate material as it is made from sand and cement. This impact of pressure of the house is shown on its surface in the form of holes. Secondly, if the holes are large, then probably, your cement and sand mixture had too much water.

How do you fix pinholes in grout?

You have three options, first you can try to fill the holes with grout or silicone which is hard, messy and often leaves holes remaining. Second you can use a sealer and hopefully fill the holes or live with them. Third option is to removed the old grout and reapply new grout.

Are pin holes normal in grout?

Holes in your shower grout can develop over time, especially when it hasn't been properly sealed or it's been neglected for years. The moisture in the shower is the main culprit that causes the issue.

How do you fix pitted grout?

How Do You Repair Crumbling Grout?
  1. Remove Crumbling Grout. Use a grout saw, utility knife, or another removal tool. ...
  2. Mix Grout. Be sure to use the right type of grout for your needs. ...
  3. Apply Grout. Whether you're repairing shower grout or floor grout, it's important to fill gaps correctly. ...
  4. Wipe Away Residue. ...
  5. Seal the Grout.

How to fix bubble holes in grout?

Mix up some more grout, and use your finger to fill in the holes really well. Allow to set then wipe with a sponge. In the future, when doing grout, make sure you're applying it correctly by working it into the line at a 45 degree angle, then again using your float, press the line perpendicularly.

Minor grout repair

Why are there tiny holes in grout?

Grout, over a period of time, may develop tiny pinholes or large cracks on its surface. Tiny pinholes develop over a period of time. This process is normal, as after some time, the foundation of the house sinks a teeny-weeny bit deeper into the soil, thereby shifting the structure of the house.

Can you repair grout without removing it?

epoxy grout is a great choice when you are ready to re-grout a tile project. Because epoxy grout is so much stronger than other types of grout (particularly cement grout), you won't even need to remove all of your old grout. You can apply new grout right over the top of the old grout.

Why is my grout pitted?

Improper mixing of the grout.

Don't use too much water when mixing the grout. Follow the manufacturer's directions carefully. Also, don't use previously opened bags that may have gained moisture or partial bags of grout on large projects.

Can you put new grout on top of old grout?

You don't have to remove all of your old grout to apply the new grout. The new grout can be applied right over the top of the existing grout. You will need a grout removal tool, which is a small tool with a sharp blade capable of chipping away the grout.

Do grout pens work?

This really works! The grouting around the tiles in our kitchen and bathroom was looking very tried with several black damp spots. The grout pen covered it all in one coat and was very simple and quick to use. We added an extra coat on the very stained sections and now it all looks like fresh grouting.

What does grout failure look like?

First, one of the telltale signs of grout failure is when your grout has holes, or is cracked and breaking down. When the grout is deteriorating, this can cause your tiles to become loose or come off entirely. Another indication of grout failure is any sign of mold or mildew.

Can I use caulk to fill grout holes?

You can remedy this by using caulk to fill in the cracks and restore the look of the grout. First, remove all loose and cracked grout with a grout saw or Dremel tool. Apply the caulk gently to the cracks, smoothing it down with a plastic spoon. You can also wet your fingers and smooth the caulk by hand.

How often should you seal grout lines?

For high-traffic areas, like the main bathroom, you should consider sealing it every six months, while low-traffic areas like the guest bathroom can be resealed every two years. If you are using epoxy grout, it might not be necessary to reseal it as it is highly water-resistant.

How do you get rid of pinholes?

Increasing flux content to produce a more fluid melt often works well to combat pinholes and pits. Sometimes very small additions of ZnO, SrO, or Li2O can have a dramatic effect on glaze flow. Sourcing fluxes from frit or using a finer particle size material will improve the melt flow also.

Does sealing grout keep it from crumbling?

The best line of defense and protection for your grout is to have it sealed. Sealed grout will not only get the protection it needs against crumbling, but it will also be protected against heavy staining as well. Your tile and grout need to be professionally cleaned before getting sealed for best results.

Can you fill in grout lines?

Spot repairing grout is not only possible, it's also a great way to fix cracked or crumbling grout lines. Simple remove the damaged grout, wipe down the area, prepare the new grout, then apply.

Do you have to dig out old grout before regrouting?

Before you decide to regrout, evaluate the state of the existing grout. If it's severely damaged, crumbling, or has mold, it may be necessary to remove it entirely.

Do grout rakes work?

A dedicated grout rake or a Stanley blade is best for removing existing grout. Grout rakes can be both mechanical and electric. Any electric grout rake is usually 240V and has variable speeds. The Rubi Grout Remover helps to remove grout surrounding ceramic and porcelain tiles.

How do you prevent pinholes in grout?

Make sure you press the grout against the tiles and gaps hard. This will make sure the grout goes in under some pressure.

How do you know if grout is bad?

Check the color and condition in some of the higher-traffic areas of the room. If you notice any chipping or cracking in the grout, it won't respond well to cleaning and will most likely just break apart if you try to clean it with any kind of physical force.

What causes bubbles in grout?

Shrinking Grout Detail shows voids and bubbles at the intersection of groutlines. This is a classic problem and indicates that the grout was inadequately rubbed and pressed into the gaps.

Can you fix bad grouting?

If you've tried cleaning your grout and restoring it with a grout pen, but you're still unhappy with the look of the grout, the other option is to remove it and replace it with new grout. Check out our video with advice for re-grouting tiles.

Is regrouting worth it?

Q: Is regrouting worth it? A: Absolutely! Regrouting can give your space a fresh, updated look while also addressing any potential issues with cracked or deteriorating grout that could lead to moisture buildup or mold.

What happens if you don't reseal grout?

Unsightly Grout Stains and Discoloration:

One of the most noticeable effects of neglected grout sealing is the gradual accumulation of stains and discoloration. Grout is porous by nature, which means it readily absorbs liquids, dirt, and debris.

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