Where exactly is this in the bathroom? How about a wider shot of the wall and the adjacent areas? I doubt it is the shower door sweep, and realistically see some selective demo at the very least in your future.

It is right next to the shower. there is a closet on the other side and drywall is fine

Adding another shot just in case

Curb at the wall area probably leaking, starting taking off the tile carefully if you wish but that will be a gut.

thank you dor your response. Curb at the wall area? where the shower is?

Bottom shower seal. didnt know what this was until today and definetly need another one

Hi Sophie, we came across your shower post, unfortunately you are not the only one experiencing these frustrating shower issues. But there is hope, based on our experience we recommend to stop using the shower, let it dry for about a week or two the longer you let it dry the better. Place a small fan if you have any to further help draw out moisture trapped under the tiles.
Get a good experienced grout repair company to help make the shower water resistant on all the grout joints, perimeters any where where the water is finding it’s way behind the tiles. See the pictures with annotations and other recommendations.

Let us know if it helps you resolve the issue,

Cosmetic spam won’t help. Gut and redo. Not built correctly.

If there is grout in all of areas with red lines then it was done incorrectly. All those redlined areas should have caulking.

Grout is water permeable, so re-grouting is not going to help. It is the waterproof substrate underneath the tile that makes a shower waterproof. You probably have a saturated curb (the thing you step over to get into the shower). One problem is that there are tiles on the top of the curb, which can let water migrate down into the curb. Always get a piece of the solid surface used in the vanity counter to top any curbs, nooks, seats, and pony walls.

But that is not your only problem. Again, it is the lack of (or failed) waterproofing that has killed your shower. You will be tearing it down to the studs and rebuilding it. Sometimes, even studs are rotted. Read up on the proper way to build a shower with modern waterproofing methods, even if you are hiring the job out. Ask each bidder to name their waterproofing system when you make the appointment so that you can read up on it or watch videos (from the manufacturer is best) before you interview someone to rebuild the shower, and put in the contract that the waterproofing of the shower will be done according to the instructions of XYZ Corporation for their ABC product. You don't need to know everything about how to properly build a waterproof shower, but you have to know enough to be able to ask a few questions at the interview you do with the contractors you get bids from.

Yes, probably not even a skilled grout repair company can save this shower, as Nancy in Mitch is pointing out the tiles on top of the curb is probably saturated and it should have a solid surface.

Thank you everyone!

We are getting a fan and not using it as suggested until we can get someone here to check everything out. I hope there is not mold damage to drywall. So upsetting since we’ve only been here one year :( thank you all

The professional tile contractor's industry is preparing information for consumers regarding "leaky showers". I've copied just a few points from the "evidence of a leaky shower" with the corresponding potential causes. Also pay attention to the PLEASE NOTE information following.

@TERSO MR®, please review as well. It is imperative that professionals provide the consumer with reliable information.

1. The tile on the curb is cracked and/or loose and/or the walls next to the curb are deteriorating.

Potential Causes

· The curb was not properly constructed and/or waterproofed

· Backer board was nailed or screwed through the shower pan liner and into the curb.

- No waterproofing was applied

· The curb does not have the proper slope toward the drain

· The shower door was improperly installed (door installer error)

· Holes drilled into the curb or the floor on a barrier free shower

· Holes drilled into the wall and not properly sealed

2. The walls outside my shower are damp and spongy, drywall is bubbling, or damaged. There is evidence of moisture damage and mold/mildew on the wall(s) on the other side of the shower.

Potential Causes

· The shower pan liner was not correctly installed

· The shower drain was not properly installed

· The shower drain weep holes are clogged

· Improper or lack of waterproofing on walls up to the shower head

· Fasteners were placed through the tiled surface and not sealed

It’s helpful to understand this about showers: A properly constructed shower manages and directs all the water that flows through it to the drain, and nowhere else. The shower “fixture” needs to be water tight, utilizing one of the two basic types of showers: a "Water In, Water Out" shower system, which is constructed with a clamping ring drain and waterproof shower pan liner or a "Sealed System" which employs a bonding flange drain and a waterproofing membrane that extends to the shower head. Both systems require that the walls, seats, ledges, niches, and curbs be treated with the appropriate waterproofing product. If the waterproofing, drain components, or any part of the shower system is not installed properly, is damaged, punctured, or compromised during installation, a leak can and will result in failure.

PLEASE NOTE: Beware of the claims that a leaking shower can be eliminated by using grout or caulking repairs/replacement or the application of a sealer or coating. These actions will, at best, provide only a temporary fix. Beware of individuals and companies who are NOT insured, licensed where required, or certified by the tile industry. Wisely consider, interview, and hire dedicated tile professionals who have received proper training and have experience in the process of providing a long-lasting and trouble-free shower installation. A qualified tile professional will perform work in accordance with the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) Handbook Methods, American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standards, and the manufacturer’s written instructions.

Great information Dragonfly Tile & Stone Works, Inc. You said it correctly “Beware of the claims that a leaking shower can be eliminated by using grout or caulking repairs/replacement or the application of a sealer or coating”

It all starts with the properly constructed shower, bandaids fixes after will not correct it.

Our brand focuses on the proper repairs, care and maintenance on properly constructed showers.

@TERSO MR®, please review as well. It is imperative that professionals provide the consumer with reliable information.

Bravo. To easy to get a website built and go PRO

Behind every grout repair and regrout company ive ever known is a failed tile shower builder selling smoke and mirrors. If you wanna save the day here you start with a Flood test with the test plug inserted down BELOW the drain flange. I know of ZERO grout repair recaulk companys that mention that as they take the cash and run.

The second way to move fwd is making A smarter hiring decision NOW this second more costly time. Permits flood tests and properly worded contracts w a qualified tile crew.

Obviously this op bought the problem w the home and now is faced w spending ?$ thousand plus on smoke and mirrors or properly testing the pan BEFORE considering repairs.

@Mint Tile LlC, great to know you are providing a great service! that way property owners only need the normal surface care of the materials.

Excellent and informative pictures!

The worry here is that the back of the baseboard is wet and that the curb is stained. You have to ask yourself where the water is coming from. It could well be behind the shower wall and under the curb and the baseboard and the drywall behind it are just the tip of a wet, moldy iceberg. Don't use the shower and get someone in to take off a few tiles if you don't feel confident doing that yourself. My bet is the tiles will come off very easily.

Thank you! took a picture today of inside and seems they never put silicone (i know this now after my hours of research). we will get someone to come and take a few tiles off . there is a large walk in closet behind the shower and drywall and baseboard seem fine (also been watching like a hawk) appreciate everyones help!

I was thinking about removing a little behind the shower to see it. we did do a hydrostatic test when we purchased the home and it passed. This is wall immediately behind it

I'd cut a hole to access the shower valve and one at the bottom of the wall

Thank you!! will do! appreciate your help!!