How To Fix A Cracked Shower Head
Three years ago, I had one of my bathrooms completely gutted and remodeled. I am having problems with some of the grout around the tiles on the shower walls cracking (Primarily the horizontal grout lines). All of the tiles still appear to be well-adhered so I would like to fix this before I have a major problem with water damage or mildew. I'm thinking this is something I can possibly do myself but I'm not sure what steps to take. I have two primary questions:1.
Can I just add more grout to the areas that are cracked, or do I have to remove some (or all) of the cracked grout before re-grouting?2. How do I know whether to use sanded or unsanded grout?Is there anything else important I need to know before I attempt this repair?
You do need to get most of the old grout out. Unsanded grout is used for glass and stone tiles and sanded grout is usually used for porcelain and ceramic tiles. Is the grout rough? Then it is most likely sanded grout.Make sure the area is dry before regrouting to allow any moisture to evaporate and do not shower for a day or two.There are now tubes of grout since you will not need much if you can match the color. Just be careful get old grout out. Torrent ebook italiano. If you need some pointers go to youtube and put in grout removal. First unsanded grout is used most frequently on walls and ideally only when the tile spacing is 1/8' or less.
Identifying what you have may be as easy as digging some out - does it feel (extra) gritty when you break it down? Then it is probably sanded.
From here it looks like it.could. be sanded but I can't really tell.
How To Replace Broken Shower Head Holder
(you could always be prepared for both and do a little test to match).For the repair dig out as much as possible, working very carefully as not to harm tile. For small(ish) repairs use a grout saw ( or other grout removal hand tool. For large repairs, a multi-tool fitted with an appropriate accessory. When re-grouting consider a latex additive for flexibly.In some areas a caulk may actually work just as well. There are sanded caulks available in many popular grout colors.
I'll save thoughts on why this might have happened & Hope it helps. @Shari glad I could be helpful and @The Garden Frog with C Renee makes some really good points. You often use unsanded as not to scratch glass or soft stone or glazed ceramic when you are grouting.
Completely dry absolutely key.I pulled up because of course I do not know all the circumstances. Or the installer and really can't see the entire job, but when I see cracking like this of course I think about the substrate. Some cracking in any house (build of wood) would be totally understandable and I mean 3 years and this is the first you are seeing then okay. I just wonder if this isn't the first you'll see. And resisting sliding into any more speculation. Do your fix, it's all you and still good luck.
@Building Moxie I actually had cracking grout probably within the first year but it seems I'm noticing more and more.:( My house is concrete block on a poured cement foundation.My intuition/gut tells me this contractor did not do a great job so even though I have another bathroom I want to remodel, I have not called him back.I've included a few photos of this tub area during the renovation. I know it's hard to assess from pictures alone but if you spot anything out of the ordinary, I would appreciate you pointing it out so I can take the necessary corrective measures.
Remove the showerhead by unscrewing it from the pipe with your hands. If the head is stuck on tight (as they often are if they haven't been removed in a while), use pliers or a crescent wrench to unscrew it. Look at the threads inside the showerhead for a small plastic washer or rubber O-ring. It's often the wear and tear of age on this component that can cause a showerhead to leak and start dripping. Over time, it dries out and becomes brittle which decreases its ability to hold in water.
If it looks worn or damaged, replace it. Helpful TipsPlace a towel or large rag on the shower floor to protect it from possible damage if you happen to drop a tool. Also cover the drain so that any of the small parts from the showerhead don't accidentally go down it.Remember not to force anything. Whether you're taking off the showerhead or putting it back on, don't tighten it so tightly that you damage or crack something and then need to take on a larger project. Since you have the showerhead off, now is a good time to clean out the showerhead, especially if you've noticed decreased flow. Oftentimes, there can be mineral deposits or sediment left by hard water on the interior of the showerhead or at the pipe stem (where the pipe connects to the showerhead).
How To Replace A Broken Shower Head Pipe
This can significantly affect water pressure and flow and can contribute to a leaky showerhead.In a small cooking pot or pan, mix water and three cups of vinegar and bring it to a boil. Once it's started to boil, turn off the heat. Place the showerhead (minus any rubber parts that can be removed) into the solution and let it sit for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Then remove, rinse and scrub the inside and outside jets with an old toothbrush; do this until no deposits remain. Many homes have an access panel on the wall opposite the shower faucet so one can get in and work on the internal workings of the tub. If yours doesn't, you will have to cut into the opposite wall to access and remove the old faucet and install the new one.
Use a keyhole saw to cut an approximately 12' square or rectangular hole into the wall directly opposite the faucet.Remove the base of the faucet using a pipe wrench to unscrew the nuts fastening it to the shower fixture. Be sure the faucet has been removed completely from the water pipes. Don't twist or turn the pipes when you're extracting the old faucet to avoid potential complications. Helpful TipIf the pipes in your home are old, there could be complications from corroded pipes that can move around easily when you're trying to remove the faucet. If this is the case, be careful so that you do not break the pipes which will cause water leakage behind walls and thus, a more expensive and time-consuming project.
Here’s what you’ll need to complete this project successfully.Before you begin, use the shopping list below to uncheck the tools you already have to complete this project.Then, print or save your updated list and bring it to your, where an expert Hardwarian will give you the remaining tools and expert advice you need to complete this project.You can also for these project items at TrueValue.com and receive FREE shipping to a participating store. Towel. Vinegar. Toothbrush.
Seat washer. Drywall. Wood stick.