I have what I think is a tile problem around a tub, but need help with diagnosing the problem and then with a fix. Can someone recommend the best way to seal the gaps between old ceramic tiles?
The bathroom is 75 years old and until about a year ago never leaked. The tiles are set very close together with obvious gaps (say, several 1/32 inch and one or two slightly larger) in the grout.
My leak is not from the plumbing. I say that because when I run the shower through an irrigation pipe directly through the tub, there are no leaks. But when someone is in the shower or the spray is directed onto the side wall, a steady stream of water flows onto the ceiling below. I caulked between the tub and wall but it did not help the problem.
One plumber and one tile guy told me that everything has to be ripped out and replaced -- at about $2,000. I would like to try regrouting or some other way of sealing the small gaps in the tile, but have been told (and read here) that water can permeate the grout. Any on how to proceed and how to seal?
The bathroom is 75 years old and until about a year ago never leaked. The tiles are set very close together with obvious gaps (say, several 1/32 inch and one or two slightly larger) in the grout.
My leak is not from the plumbing. I say that because when I run the shower through an irrigation pipe directly through the tub, there are no leaks. But when someone is in the shower or the spray is directed onto the side wall, a steady stream of water flows onto the ceiling below. I caulked between the tub and wall but it did not help the problem.
One plumber and one tile guy told me that everything has to be ripped out and replaced -- at about $2,000. I would like to try regrouting or some other way of sealing the small gaps in the tile, but have been told (and read here) that water can permeate the grout. Any on how to proceed and how to seal?