THE GROUT GUY Why Shower Leaks Go Unnoticed and How to Spot Them

Don’t Worry Though, The Grout Guy Can Help!

As a homeowner, it’s easy to miss the subtle signs of water damage caused by failing grout in your shower. You’re too busy enjoying your morning routine to notice a small drip here or a tiny crack there. But over time, those minor issues allow moisture to seep in, and before you know it, you’ve got mould forming and water stains spreading across walls. The good news is, once you suspect a leak in your shower grout, the Grout Guy can solve the problem quickly and cost-effectively!

The Silent Menace: How Shower Leaks Hide in Plain Sight

Shower leaks are the silent menace of home damage. They can slowly destroy walls and floors for months or even years before you notice. But if you know the signs, you can catch them early and avoid a costly repair bill. Leaks often start small where you can’t see them, like behind the wall or under the floor. The water damage builds up over time, seeping into cracks and crevices. By the time stains appear on neighbouring walls or tiles start popping loose, the leak has likely been active for a long while.

Warning Signs: 5 Clues Your Shower Is Leaking

Have you noticed any moisture or water spots in or around your shower lately? Don’t ignore them – your shower could be leaking and leaks only get worse over time. Here are five warning signs to watch out for:

• Dark spots or stains on walls or nearby carpet. This usually means water has seeped through and caused damage underneath. Be suspicious of any new stains or spots, especially in corners and along shower edges.
• Peeling or bubbling paint. If you see paint that’s peeling, blistering, or bubbling, it’s a sign moisture has built up behind the walls. This also leads to the growth of mould and mildew, damaging your home and aggravating any health issues.
• Musty smells. Any musty or mouldy smells coming from the shower area could indicate excess moisture and leaks. Trust your nose on this one.
• Loose or hollow-sounding tiles. Gently tap on shower tiles and listen for a hollow or loose sound. This could mean water has gotten in behind the tile and damaged the surface beneath.

Why Grout Is the Usual Suspect

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. This is especially problematic for showers, where water exposure is constant. The tiny holes and air pockets in grout can lead to water damage that goes undetected for years behind your shower tiles.

Cracks Form Easily

Grout naturally shrinks and settles as it dries, which often leads to small cracks. These cracks, even hairline ones, create openings for water to get through. As temperature and humidity levels in your bathroom fluctuate, grout expands and contracts, causing more cracks to form over time. Once cracks have formed in grout, water seepage behind shower tiles accelerates.

Call in the Grout Guy

Don’t wait until you notice serious signs of water damage — addressing shower leaks early can help avoid costly damage further down the line. Stay on the lookout for any signs your shower isn’t as waterproof as it should be and call our friendly team of grout experts at the first hint of trouble. Your walls, floors, and budget will thank you!