Shower tiles in particular are almost constantly bombarded by running water so sealing the grout is a necessity.
Leak in the grout in the tiled shower walls.
These problems allow shower water to penetrate the wall and cause damage and they are generally found low on the shower wall down where the tile meets the shower base.
There has to be an underlying problem with the shower pan s waterproof membrane.
To stop the leak and prevent further damage to the underlying plaster.
Leaks typically start along the bottom of the wall where the tile meets the top of the tub or shower pan.
To waterproof a shower pan and shower walls you have to have a waterproof membrane that meets ansi a118 10 to be properly installed.
To do this focus on one wall at a time.
Mold discolored grout loose tile and peeling caulk.
It likely was not installed correctly.
If you spot these symptoms you have found the water damage.
Leaky tiles can occur anywhere where water is used whether it s a shower a wet room or a kitchen splashback.
The tiled wall shown on these pages is only a few years old but water had seeped in.
Sealing grout in shower tiles is the best way to keep grout clean and waterproof.
If the shower drains and there is no leak then you will need to examine whether the leak is coming from missing grout between tiles on the shower walls.
Is your shower leaking through your tiles.
Starting low on the wall splash or spray water on an isolated area and keep checking for leaks as you work your way up a couple of feet at a time.
Those areas are exposed to the most water so damage tends to spread quickly.
Answer answer if water from your shower is leaking into a crawl space the problem is not the cementitious grout joints.
Signs of moisture include.