Tile-grout help (1 Viewer)

[Copeman]

In one of my bathroom tub/showers, there is a soap holder integrated into the tile. it has been weak for some time, and last night the youngest pulled herself up by grabbing onto it and the whole thing came off the wall. it came off in an 8.5"x9" piece. Behind it, the backing/wood was wet. What can I do do do a quick fix on it? I plan to re-tile next spring, but I need something for now. Can I simply put a big blob of grout in there for now? I'm gonna let the backing dry, spray some bleach in there, and do this, unless anyone else has a better idea?

 

[ChiefD]

If it's wet back there, you are gonna have a hard time getting anything to stick.

If you can get it dry, use some mastic to glue the soap holder back into that space. Once it drys, you can then grout the seams.

 

[Copeman]

If it's wet back there, you are gonna have a hard time getting anything to stick.

If you can get it dry, use some mastic to glue the soap holder back into that space. Once it drys, you can then grout the seams.

I've put that thing back on a few times now, and I finally just said screw it and threw it away. Now I need something to cover that area.

It was too big/heavy in the first place. Don't know what the original installer was thinking.

 

[Ignoramus]

I've put that thing back on a few times now, and I finally just said screw it and threw it away. Now I need something to cover that area...

I would use tile to cover that area.

 

[Copeman]

I've put that thing back on a few times now, and I finally just said screw it and threw it away. Now I need something to cover that area...

I would use tile to cover that area.

I might look for a piece about 10"x10" and just use tile glue and glue it to the existing tile (the edges) and then caulk around it. I think that would be a decent temp fix.

To use tile just in the area that is exposed would require me to put some kind of backing in there for the tile to adhere to. I don't want to do that right now.

 

[Fat Nick]

I've put that thing back on a few times now, and I finally just said screw it and threw it away. Now I need something to cover that area...

I would use tile to cover that area.

This. If you're not putting back the original thing, I'd try and find something that will cover as much of the area as possible with tile...Not sure if the original tile is an option, but if not, get something of a size that works, or cut it to fit. It doesn't have to look pretty...but I think any tile installed properly and with the seams re-grouted will seal out water better than just covering the space with something you spread on.

 

[Quez]

If the backing / wood was wet I would avoid using that shower until you rip it all out & put in blue board. You could be creating more problems rotting 2x4's, mold, etc.

If anything I would use it as infrequently as possible & let it dry out. I.E. no baths in morning & night. One or the other.

Also, keep the bathroom as well ventilated as possible to help dry it out.

 

[Chemical X]

I think your best bet is tyvec or plastic over the area and taping around it. don't let water get in there, you will create rot, mold and possible water issues on the ceiling below. also, tell your kids not to be morons.

 

[Dickies]

If the backing / wood was wet I would avoid using that shower until you rip it all out & put in blue board. You could be creating more problems rotting 2x4's, mold, etc.

If anything I would use it as infrequently as possible & let it dry out. I.E. no baths in morning & night. One or the other.

Also, keep the bathroom as well ventilated as possible to help dry it out.

I completely agree with this. I would seriously consider tearing the whole thing out, making sure what is behind the surround is completely dry, then waterproof and re-install a new surround. Nothing good comes from half-assed repairs

 

[Copeman]

If the backing / wood was wet I would avoid using that shower until you rip it all out & put in blue board. You could be creating more problems rotting 2x4's, mold, etc.

If anything I would use it as infrequently as possible & let it dry out. I.E. no baths in morning & night. One or the other.

Also, keep the bathroom as well ventilated as possible to help dry it out.

I completely agree with this. I would seriously consider tearing the whole thing out, making sure what is behind the surround is completely dry, then waterproof and re-install a new surround. Nothing good comes from half-assed repairs

Again, I am not going to do all of that since I will be doing it all in the spring. I need a fix that will last until then. Something cheap and easy. Do not care what it looks like.

 

[Drifter]

If you're going to rip it out anyway just tile over the spot and slap some fresh grout on it.

Also - to whoever suggested greenboard - don't. Shower surrounds should have 1/8" CBB or hardibacker, not green board.

 

[Mr. Ected]

In one of my bathroom tub/showers, there is a soap holder integrated into the tile. it has been weak for some time, and last night the youngest pulled herself up by grabbing onto it and the whole thing came off the wall. it came off in an 8.5"x9" piece. Behind it, the backing/wood was wet. What can I do do do a quick fix on it? I plan to re-tile next spring, but I need something for now. Can I simply put a big blob of grout in there for now? I'm gonna let the backing dry, spray some bleach in there, and do this, unless anyone else has a better idea?

Agree with Quez. The question is was it wet because the kid pulled it off during a shower, or did they pull it off and it was wet underneath. If it is the latter, you may be in bigger trouble. Mold and rot is not something to just push aside and wait until later.

 

[Dickies]

If the backing / wood was wet I would avoid using that shower until you rip it all out & put in blue board. You could be creating more problems rotting 2x4's, mold, etc.

If anything I would use it as infrequently as possible & let it dry out. I.E. no baths in morning & night. One or the other.

Also, keep the bathroom as well ventilated as possible to help dry it out.

I completely agree with this. I would seriously consider tearing the whole thing out, making sure what is behind the surround is completely dry, then waterproof and re-install a new surround. Nothing good comes from half-assed repairs

Again, I am not going to do all of that since I will be doing it all in the spring. I need a fix that will last until then. Something cheap and easy. Do not care what it looks like.

I must ask, why wait until spring? If it's on the agenda of things to do, why not just move the project up?

 

[Copeman]

If the backing / wood was wet I would avoid using that shower until you rip it all out & put in blue board. You could be creating more problems rotting 2x4's, mold, etc.

If anything I would use it as infrequently as possible & let it dry out. I.E. no baths in morning & night. One or the other.

Also, keep the bathroom as well ventilated as possible to help dry it out.

I completely agree with this. I would seriously consider tearing the whole thing out, making sure what is behind the surround is completely dry, then waterproof and re-install a new surround. Nothing good comes from half-assed repairs

Again, I am not going to do all of that since I will be doing it all in the spring. I need a fix that will last until then. Something cheap and easy. Do not care what it looks like.

I must ask, why wait until spring? If it's on the agenda of things to do, why not just move the project up?

Money and time are issues right now.

 

[Quez]

Is the water just getting in where the broken soap holder was, or is the wall leaking other places?

If you don't mind it looking like crap for a half year, then tyvec & tape the entire wall/walls. Then water could only leak through the floor.

 

[mr roboto]

If you're going to rip it out anyway just tile over the spot and slap some fresh grout on it.

Also - to whoever suggested greenboard - don't. Shower surrounds should have 1/8" CBB or hardibacker, not green board.

This.