Wondering how to repair cracked shower grout? It’s a relatively simple process that any DIYer can do. Plus, instead of hiring a professional to fix cracks in shower tile grout, you’ll save money.
Let’s start with the basics. First, why does bathroom grout crack? There are a couple reasons for this. If the grout has been around awhile, then age could be the problem. It might simply be old enough that it has started to crumble.
More commonly, however, it’s movement that causes the cracks. The walls behind your shower or the floor beneath it may shift a little with time and repeated use, and that bit of flex can cause grout to crack.
Whichever the case may be, it’s an easy fix. Here are step-by-step instructions to show you how to repair cracked shower grout.
Tools and Supplies
First, you’ll need some basic supplies:
- Grout to match the existing shade and style — choose sanded or un-sanded grout, based on what exists in your shower
- A grout saw, which is a small hand tool for removing grout
- A vacuum to clean up fallen grout and debris
- Grout trowels to apply new grout
- A mixing trowel and a plastic container if your grout isn’t pre-mixed
- Rags to remove excess grout once the grout lines are filled
How to Fix Cracked Grout in the Shower
Once you’ve gathered all the tools, the process is fairly simple:
- Start with the grout saw and go over all areas of the shower where the grout has cracked, using the saw to remove the old grout from the lines between tiles. When you’ve finished this, vacuum the old fallen grout, taking care not to knock any of it down the shower drain. Then, you’ll be ready to install new grout.
- To fix cracks in shower tile grout, it’s best to start at the top and work in small sections. If your grout comes premixed, then you’re ready to start. Otherwise, mix a small batch of grout according to the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging. Next, apply some of the grout to the grout trowel and press it into the lines between tiles. Use firm pressure to make sure that plenty of grout gets pressed into the lines.
- When you’ve re-grouted a small section of the tile, use rags and water to remove the grout film on the tile. If you’re using an epoxy grout, follow instructions on the packaging for cleaning. Epoxy grouts may require vinegar or some other compound to clean.
- Take care to do a thorough job washing the grout film. If you allow some of that film to cure on the tiles, “grout haze” could form. This is a cloudy layer of dried grout on the tiles. Change your wash water a few times during the process to make sure that you’re lifting as much excess grout as possible.
- This is also why it’s important to work in small sections. If the grout is allowed to cure, then it becomes much harder to clean afterward.
- Keep up with the process until you’ve finished the walls. Then, you’ll be ready to fix cracked grout in shower floor The process on the floor is the same as with the walls. However, you may want to place a rag over the shower drain to prevent pressing grout into the drain.
- Once all of the grout is in place and the excess is removed, then let it cure. Different grouts have different cure times, so refer to the manufacturer’s packaging to see how long you should wait. When it is cured, apply any sealants recommended by the manufacturer, and you’ll be finished!
Re-grouting a shower is also the perfect opportunity to make any upgrades. For instance, if you’re planning to install a new shower base, or if you want to upgrade the showerhead and faucet, then now is the time to do it.
View Modern Bathroom’s selection of tub and shower fixtures to find the perfect products for your upgrade.