How to test whether my grout needs replacement?

Hi team, I just had my bathroom wall and floor tiles grouted (about two weeks or so ago). I recently found that the grout came off, not sure how, just noticed it. I read online about it and am worried that grout may need replacement if it’s not installed properly or the water mixture was incorrect. How do I test the extend of the damage?

unfortunately the same tiler also grouted the toilet and laundry floor tiles too.

Find more posts tagged with

Tools and Materials

Repairing

Tiling

Accepted answers

All comments

MitchellMc

Hi @renie,

Are these new tiles with fresh grout, or did the tiler apply new grout over existing grout? If it's the latter, the new grout may not have bonded properly, leading to issues like the one you've noticed.

It could be an isolated case where the grout in that section didn't set correctly, or it may indicate a larger issue with the mix or application. It would be worth speaking with your tiler to get their thoughts on whether it's something they can fix or if the rest of the grout might also be affected.

To test the extent of the issue, gently press and scrape along the grout lines with a fingernail or a blunt object like a plastic scraper. Well-set grout should feel firm and not crumble easily. If other sections seem loose or powdery, there may be a more widespread problem. You might need to wait and see if other areas start showing the same signs before deciding on a full replacement.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

renie

Thanks @MitchellMc , they are new tiles and new grout. I’ll try the method you’ve called out and hopefully it’s an isolated case. We just installed our mirror and I’m not sure if any tools used have loosen the grout but I didn’t think that would be the case if grout was done properly.

MitchellMc

I wouldn't have thought it likely that any tools used for mounting the mirror would affect the grout @renie.

Mitchell

Child Item