Should I replace the bubbling, soft grout in my brand new shower with a different type myself, or is there another solution you would recommend?
Asked by Samantha Schmidt 
3 months ago
Last Updated: June 8, 2024
Hey, so we got a new shower put in, but the grout at the base is not holding up so well. It’s this non-sanded grout that’s getting all bubbly and mushy after only 4 months. It’s especially bad around the edges and corners – it even moves when I press on it! I tried sealing it, but no luck. Any ideas on what I should do next? Should I just take it all out and try something else myself, or do you have any other suggestions?
Did you do the shower installation yourself?
If you hired someone to put in the shower, I would recommend reaching out to them again. It seems like something was not done correctly.
Nicely finished
I would definitely give them a call to fix that! I’ve done a lot of tile showers and this has never happened before.
Could you please share some photos?
Kevin s
Kevin s
Kevin s
Another anonymous contributor asked if the perimeter of the shower was sealed with caulk against the wall tile.
One anonymous contributor mentioned using sanded grout on the shower cement board.
At the point where a wall meets the floor, it’s recommended to use caulk instead of grout.
‘t forget to mention 100% silicone caulk as well. It comes in all grout colors
It sounds like the drain was not installed correctly. Remember, neither the tiles nor the grout are waterproof. Any water that gets through the tiles still needs to drain properly. It seems like there is water trapped between the tiles and the pan/liner.
Was the pan pre-sloped if it’s a floated one?
Also, as someone else pointed out, do you have any pictures?
I think the shower floor should be redone, but I will wait for a response.
I believe mentioned that the base was made of concrete and lined. I remember seeing parts of the process.
Has posted pictures in the thread now
Did you allow the grout to fully cure for at least 7 days, preferably 10, before using and sealing it?
How soon did you start using the shower after grouting? It appears that water might be seeping under the tiles and trying to emerge through the grout lines.
Enjoys seven-day weeks.
Should the anonymous participant have had sufficient time to set? What about 1/8″ grout joints?
I have no idea how to figure out the size.
Can anyone guess how far apart the tiles should be? I’m asking because if it’s more than 1/8″, then unsanded grout shouldn’t be used.
Hey Tim! Is it alright if I just swap out and replace it with something else? I’m really looking forward to the contractor coming back.
Could it have been a sealant instead? Some sealants are designed to match grout and remain flexible. Sealants are pricier but effective. Are you certain that’s not what was used?
Reg Camara I’m not sure the poster is certain about anything at this stage
First of all, you’re being rude. I have no idea why some guys say things like that.
Reg Camara this is what was utilized
Make sure to use caulk, not grout, where the tile meets the shower base. If the gap is narrow, unsanded caulk is okay; if it’s wide, use sanded caulk. And if the shower base is a one-piece acrylic, be sure to set it in a mortar bed to prevent movement.
Hey Ric Diato, this is the product that was utilized.
Hey, it’s recommended to use caulk instead of grout where the wall meets the floor.
It seems like there was a problem with the work done and it will need to be redone.
Hey , the shower is new and was installed by a contracting company.
Hey, someone should definitely give them a call to fix this issue.
Can you please post a video showing the grout moving when pressure is applied? It seems like the tiles are shifting and causing the grout to come out.
Before I messed up the job it looked like this
Herndon
Herndon that was the situation before I messed up the job 😂 so that’s how it appeared
That is certainly a versatile color-matching sanded acrylic grout caulking, but it’s not suitable for areas with constant water exposure. You should remove it and apply a color-matching 100% silicone sealant
Should I be concerned about potential damage underneath? The shower is less than 5 months old and was sealed very well with concrete and the plastic liner halfway up from the pan
If the liner was installed correctly (do you have pictures of the preparation work?) and you don’t see any excess moisture on the walls/flooring outside the shower (wet/mushy drywall right outside the shower and in rooms that share the same wall as the shower), then you should be fine.
The issue you raised is mainly cosmetic and can be fixed fairly quickly with the right materials.
Are you a contractor? Any recommendations for reliable brands for long hot showers used by kids? 😆 This shower has been a nightmare since we moved in, which is why we renovated the whole bathroom
If your grout is soft, it might be due to waiting too long to apply it or adding too much water. Consider removing and replacing it with a latex additive for better results.
Epoxy grout is the recommended choice for this situation.
When you’re tiling, remember to avoid using grout at the vertices. Instead, opt for the appropriate silicone caulk.
Unsanded grout should only be used for gaps of 1/8″ or less. You will need to remove all the existing grout and replace it with sanded grout.
Remove any excess grout, sand it down, let it dry, wipe it with alcohol, and then apply a nice bead of clear silicone on top