A leaking shower is the kind of household problem that rarely makes a dramatic entrance. Instead it creeps up on you. A stain where none existed before. A slower drain. A patch of mould that refuses to go. For homeowners in Perth, where heat, sun and seasonal storms place their own pressure on tiled surfaces, early detection is the difference between a small, affordable repair and an expensive renovation.
This checklist walks you through the common warning signs that your bathroom or shower needs regrouting. It is written by experienced tile and regrouting specialists who have seen every kind of tiled problem after years of work across Perth suburbs. Read through the headings and if several signs apply to your bathroom, it is worth arranging a professional inspection sooner rather than later.
Why Grout Fails In Perth: A Short Note
Perth’s climate plays a role in tile wear. Long spells of heat and sun cause materials to expand and contract, while heavy winter storms can expose weak points in seals and joints. Over time ordinary grout becomes brittle, cracks, washes away or loses adhesion. Once grout fails, water can travel behind tiles and into framing, causing hidden damage that is costly to repair. That is why understanding the signs is useful for every homeowner.
Cracked, Loose Or Missing Tiles
If you notice tiles that are cracked, moving when you press them, or missing altogether, the tile bed and grout are likely compromised. Loose tiles allow water to seep behind the tile and into the substrate. That trapped moisture can lead to rot or mould growth in the wall cavity. A single loose tile can be a small fix, but several damaged tiles are a clear signal that the grout and possibly the adhesive have failed and that regrouting and possible reinstallation is required.
Mould Or Mildew That Returns Quickly
Everyone gets the occasional black spot in the shower, but persistent mould that returns after cleaning points to a deeper moisture problem. When grout is porous, cracked, or missing in places, it no longer forms a waterproof barrier. Mould feeds on the tiny slivers of organic matter and trapped moisture behind tiles. If mould keeps coming back in the same seams or corners despite regular cleaning, you should suspect failing grout and get a professional to check for hidden leaks.
Bubbling Paint On Nearby Walls
When paint begins to bubble, blister or peel on walls adjacent to the shower, that is moisture making its way into the plaster or paint layer. This is often a downstream sign that waterproofing between tiles and wall has been breached. For bathrooms next to living spaces or hallways, this kind of paint damage can be the first visible clue of a shower leak. It may look cosmetic at first but often masks ongoing water ingress that needs regrouting and possibly waterproofing remedial work.
Rusty Shower Door Frames
Rust on metal frames tells a simple story. Water is getting into places it should not be. Shower door tracks and frames are designed to shed water, not hold it. Persistent rust means moisture has been present long enough to corrode metal. That same moisture will also affect grout, seals and adjacent tile bedding. If you see rust forming, check the grout lines around the threshold and corners. Regrouting and resealing in the affected areas can stop further corrosion and prevent more extensive repairs.
Watermarks On Ceilings Below The Bathroom
One of the scariest signs is spotting a damp patch or watermark on a ceiling under a bathroom. Water takes the path of least resistance and can travel through joists and cavities before showing up far away from the source. If you notice stains, discolouration or peeling paint on a ceiling beneath a bathroom, treat it as urgent. This is a strong indicator that grout or waterproofing has failed, allowing water to leak through the floor structure.
Loose Tiles: More Than a Nuisance
Tiles that move underfoot are both a nuisance and a warning. Movement indicates a loss of bond between tile and substrate. That gap becomes a channel where water can accumulate. Over time the grout around the moving tile will crumble away. The tile may eventually pop out entirely. Loose tiles are not simply cosmetic. They are an early stage of failure and should be addressed with regrouting and a check of the adhesive layer to prevent further spread.
Swelling Timber Or Laminate Surfaces
Bathroom cabinets, skirting boards and laminate flooring near bathrooms can tell you a lot. Timber swells and laminate delaminates when exposed to persistent moisture. If you see swelling at the edges of a vanity, soft skirting boards or warped laminate in rooms adjacent to the bathroom, moisture is escaping the tile and grout system. This kind of secondary damage often increases the overall repair bill because joinery must be replaced as well as grout repaired.
An Unexpected Rise In Water Bills
A sudden or steady increase in your water account without an obvious change in household use can be a clue. Hidden leaks behind tiles or under waterproof membranes can waste significant water for months before they are noticed. If your bills climb and you cannot spot a visible leak elsewhere, have a professional inspect your bathroom grout, shower drains and the plumbing behind the walls.
Reduced Water Pressure In The Shower
Reduced shower pressure can be caused by a number of issues. One that is often overlooked is partial blockages or air pockets formed because of leaks affecting pipes or drains. Water that escapes into cavities or under tiles alters how plumbing behaves. If pressure drops and it comes on gradually or coincides with other signs from this checklist, it is worth investigating the condition of the grout and the plumbing behind the shower.
Dampness Or Water Pooling After A Shower
After a shower, tiles should dry out within a reasonable time. If you notice persistent damp patches or small pools of water in grout lines or corners long after the shower is used, the grout may not be shedding water properly. Pooling water is a direct invitation for mould and structural damage. It is also an obvious user experience problem. Regrouting and improving drainage or the slope of the shower floor are common fixes.
What To Do When You Spot These Signs
When you recognise one or more of these signs, do not wait for the problem to get worse. The first step is a careful inspection. A professional regrouting company will check tile adhesion, remove suspect grout, inspect the substrate and assess waterproofing. They will also check for hidden damage such as soft framing or damp insulation.
Simple regrouting often solves visible problems. In more serious cases the work may require replacing tiles, repairing the substrate, and renewing waterproof membranes. A reputable company will explain both options and the likely costs so you can make an informed decision.
Small Checks Homeowners Can Do Now
There are a few quick checks you can do yourself. Run a towel along grout lines after a shower to test for persistent dampness. Press gently on suspect tiles to see if they move. Look for discolouration or stains on walls and ceilings near the bathroom. These quick checks do not replace a professional inspection but they help you decide if a service call is necessary.
Why Professional Regrouting Matters
DIY repair can seem attractive, but grout and waterproofing work done incorrectly creates more problems than it solves. Proper regrouting requires the right materials, correct preparation, and often the removal of old grout and contaminants. Professionals can also test and repair waterproofing layers and identify concealed damage that becomes more expensive if left alone.
Conclusion: Act Early And Save Money
Catching grout problems early is a smart move. The signs are often subtle, but once you know what to watch for they become obvious. Cracked or loose tiles, persistent mould, bubbling paint, rusty frames, watermarks below the bathroom, swelling timber, higher water bills, falling shower pressure and water pooling are all clear indicators that grout may have failed.
If several signs apply to your bathroom in Perth, book an inspection. Early intervention limits damage, reduces repair costs and keeps your home safe and dry. We recommend working with an experienced local regrouting specialist like Alpha Sealed WA, who understands Perth conditions and the materials best suited to our climate.
