WATER DAMAGE & GROUT

WATER DAMAGE & GROUT:

WHAT IT CAN CAUSE & 4 WAYS TO BE PROACTIVE

As a homeowner or a business owner, you know the damage water can do. Whether you’ve had experience with a flood, a leaky faucet, or mold, you know when water is where it shouldn’t be, major (and potentially expensive) problems will occur.

While tile is essentially water resistant, the same doesn’t always hold true for your grout. Water damage can cause severe long-term issues with your grout and it’s critical you are prepared beforehand.

What Can Water Damage Cause?

Since we often see water damage as a result of a slow or unseen leak, it’s not always easy to notice the signs right away. And, as we mentioned, we know the effects of long-term water damage can be devastating to your home or business.

What exactly can happen, you ask? Here are just a few potential issues water damage can cause; many of which can be extremely costly to fix.

  • Attract insects, such as termites
  • Mold and mildew (which can result in health issues for you and your family)
  • Subfloor or structural damage and rot

Tile Shower after we fix water damage.Many of these issues will result in the need to replace a section of wall or flooring tile entirely; let alone additional structural materials.

4 Important Ways to Be Proactive With Water Damage

While it may not always be easy to identify a slow or unseen leak, there are steps you can take to stay mindful before an issue occurs. (Alternatively, take steps to care for obvious leaks and damage properly and immediately by shutting off your water and calling a professional.)

Here are four important ways to stay proactive with water damage to keep your grout (and your home or business) safe from destruction.

1. Seal grout to reduce the risk of water damage.

If you do not spend the time or investment to seal your grout, you may be asking for trouble. Unsealed grout is much more vulnerable to water damage than sealed grout; as you may have already experienced with unwanted staining on your unsealed grout.

2. Keep an eye out for cracks or damage.

Similar to unsealed grout, cracked or damaged grout can also be more prone to allowing water damage to occur. Should water seep underneath of your grout – into the subflooring – even a small amount of water can cause major issues.

3. Be mindful of loose or hollow tiles.

When a tile becomes loose or sounds hollow, it may be a sign that there is an opportunity for water damage (if it hasn’t occurred already). Call your local tile installer immediately if you notice a new loose or hollow tile to safeguard against future issues.

4. Look out for anything suspicious.

We recommend regular inspection of appliances and hoses or connections. Should you notice a few drops of water coming from an accessible pipe or appliance, take action right away. Similarly, an discoloration in grout lines (without a recent spill or stain) may also alert you to an issue.


The results of water damage can be astronomical for both your grout and your home or business. Stay proactive by following the tips above and call a professional immediately should you notice anything out of the ordinary.

Tough Grout is here to help. Contact us today with any questions or get a free quote should you suspect water damage with your grout.