Is there a caulking or grout that I can use around the bathtub that will dry even if there is moisture behind?

Question

Every time I put in new caulking or grout and give it the suggested time to dry it still begins washing off with the first shower. Is there anything else I can use or a specific brand that will cure even if the surface is still wet? I think water is leaking a little from behind the wall, but don't have the funds to have it torn out and fixed at this time.

Answer 1

Greetings...
These are all good advice... and I can add that if the leaky wall is under the shower handle you might just have a leak in the surrounding flange (that's the metal piece between the handle or handles and the wall) if it is a single handle unit then just carefully remove the end of the handle (part you move) and then loosen the 2 screws holding the flange to the wall.
It should only be sealed on the top and sides, should the top seal fail water will drip down your shower wall then go behind the flange to end up "behind" the wall on it's way to the tub.

OK, if that was the problem then after using some silicone sealer on the flange (remember - only top and sides, leave the bottom edge unsealed for drainage) you can now dry out the crack at the tub edge with a vacuum cleaner by putting the vacuum hose on the exhaust port..this will cause air to blow out the hose. Put on the crevice tool and you will have that crack dry in no time..... Or use a hair dryer,

You can tell if all the moisture is gone by simply slipping the edge of newspaper in the crack, remove and check for water stain.

Grout is best, but if you cannot stop the leak....then start saving up.
Good Luck

Answer 2

Complety stuff the gaps with tissue, paper towels, TP whatever to soak up all the water. Fill gaps with caulking compound. You can caulk over the filler you have put in the gaps. Dry thoroghly before using the shower. Caulk only with bathroom tub and tile caulk. If you have a leak in the wall, you are on borrowed time. Dont wait to long to get this problem repaired. You dont want to have a mold problem develop because curing mold can make a leak look cheap. If you are regrouting, all the old grout that is loose needs to be removed before applying new grout. Allow the new grout to thoroughly dry, usually 24 hours, and then seal the grout with grout sealer.

Answer 3

Absolutely do NOT use toilet paper or something like that to soak up the water. It needs to dry out on its own if you're going to try caulking it again. I would recommend getting the shower fixed because leaks like this don't fix themselves and will lead to more and more problems over time.

Answer 4

caulking with a suspected leak behind the wall is the worse thing you can do...you will end up with nothing but rotted sheet rock and studs,,,you have to bite the bullet and tear the tub surround clear out and repair the leak and then go from there with new stuff....sorry to have to tell you that, but you are only putting off the inevitable.