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Faulty grouting

(19 Posts)
Stoker48 Wed 02-Oct-24 09:50:54

I had my bath taken out and shower put in 5 months ago.
The groating towards the bottom of the shower, right by the plug has really started to discolour.
I appreciate that this area is directly beneath the flow of water but I think it looks unsightly, especially in view of the short time frame it’s been up.
For the record, I live alone in a hard water area, I dry the shower after every use and I only use white coloured shampoo, no dyes etc.
I really hate having to call a company back but I know I need to address this now, even if it’s to to be told “ that’s normal”.
Appreciate your feedback.

Jaxjacky Wed 02-Oct-24 10:06:53

MrJ, a ceramic tiler, says it’s not normal, looks like the wall behind is damp, possibly a leak. I’d get a second opinion, if that’s verified, call the company back in.

Aveline Wed 02-Oct-24 10:59:23

Could it be mould? There are some great mould cleaners. Maybe try one before calling out builders?

Stoker48 Wed 02-Oct-24 11:34:47

Thank you both.
I was reluctant to attempt any in depth cleaning incase they said that caused it.
I could understand if it was a build up over time but the tiling has only been done since May.
Getting a plumber, especially one that doesn’t see a job at the end of it it nigh on impossible….
I’ll have to put my big pants on and return to the plumbing shop….
Am I the only one that shies away from this 😱

Farmor15 Wed 02-Oct-24 11:55:22

Looks like mould to me - use spray bleach, (proper bleach, not bathroom cleaner) just spray and leave. You could use old toothbrush to rub slightly after a few hours.

Llamedos13 Wed 02-Oct-24 13:03:11

I had this happen in my shower, as others have said,try spray bleach, it worked for me.

crazyH Wed 02-Oct-24 13:17:43

Looks like mould - I get it - I use spray bleach.

Stoker48 Wed 02-Oct-24 16:01:19

Thanks you for responding, do appreciate it.
I’m not trying to make an issue out of it if there isn’t one. I e had grout go discoloured before but not within five months. No problem for me to do and clean as you suggest.
I just didn’t want to do it then workman said I’ve made the problem!
Cheers everyone

petra Wed 02-Oct-24 16:10:16

Hand held steamers do a great job.

NotSpaghetti Wed 02-Oct-24 16:57:50

You say you dry the shower after use but do you ever scrub the grout?
I don't bother drying my shower as i spray after use - but do clean the grout a couple of times a week. After all, any dirt/body oils have to go somewhere when we shower and as tiles are shiny it's inevitable I think that this sits along the grout.

Good luck.

V3ra Wed 02-Oct-24 17:09:17

As well as drying the tiles and shower tray, do you leave the window open for ventilation?
We have a morning shower each, one in the ensuite and one in the bathroom, plus just two of us sleeping overnight. We open windows and leave them on the catch through the day but close them at night.
We also have a plug-in dehumidifier unit on the landing and leave the upstairs doors open. I have to empty it twice a day at the moment.
I can't believe how much moisture we produce 😬

Stoker48 Thu 03-Oct-24 07:54:45

Thank you for your helpful comments.
There’s no window in my bathroom but do have an extractor fan and generally leave door open and nearby bedroom window open.
I’ve got a dehumidifier thingy which collects moisture.
No, I’ve not actually cleaned the grout specifically….. I will now!
Cheers

4allweknow Fri 04-Oct-24 09:58:33

After just 5 months I'd say that isn't normal. Grt it checked, water may be getting in or leaking behind somewhere

NanaBabs1 Fri 04-Oct-24 11:59:24

I would say that is certainly not normal after such a short time! I’ve recently renovated my bathroom after about 18yrs and the builder commented on the lack of mould etc in the grout. My shower was over the bath.
I don’t remember ever using mould remover on the grout, or even really scrubbing it, though the sealant round the bath was replaced a few years ago.
All I’ve ever done religiously (though I certainly can’t speak for my family!) is use a shower squeegee after every shower. Never bothered to wipe dry afterwards.
The fact that the mould doesn’t seem to be creeping up to the next row of tiles seems to point to a leak.
To pander even more to my laziness I’ve had panels fitted rather than tiles this time. No grout at all!
So, yes, big girl pants on and show those photos to your plumber. Good luck!

Cambsnan Sun 06-Oct-24 08:25:51

I don’t understand why you are reluctant to call them back. Most tradespeople will value their reputation and will not mind coming back if there is an issue.

NotSpaghetti Sun 06-Oct-24 08:58:10

You could ask them. Some people think it could be a leak. It's definitely better to know.

mabon1 Fri 11-Oct-24 18:49:09

Try Ciff stain and mould remover, cheap enough and it works.

Grantanow Sun 20-Oct-24 09:08:39

I didn't have my glasses on and I misread the OP as 'family grouting'!

flappergirl Sun 20-Oct-24 09:17:14

Cambsnan

I don’t understand why you are reluctant to call them back. Most tradespeople will value their reputation and will not mind coming back if there is an issue.

Sadly that's not my experience, nor that of most people I know. It's become nigh on impossible to get tradesmen of any description, almost as difficult as seeing a doctor, and plumbers in particular are rarer than white rhinos. I suspect their first port of call will be to blame the OP or blind her with "science".