Whether it is on a floor, kitchen counter top or in your shower, ceramic tile is durable, easy to clean and comes in a wide variety of colors. It does have one major drawback however, and that is the grout that is used between the tiles.
Sooner or later grout becomes stained, discolored, cracked or broken. This is particularly true in showers where the grout is exposed to excess moisture and pelting water which speeds up the deterioration process.
Fortunately, replacing tile grout is an easy job and everything you need can be purchased pretty inexpensively at hardware or home improvement centers. To replace your grout you will need: a grout removal tool, a bag of dry grout, a rubber trowel for applying the new grout, a vacuum cleaner, a plastic bucket, a large sponge, a tube of silicone caulking, slotted pliers and several terry cloths or small towels.
Where to Start
Start by turning of the shut-off valves that supply the water to your tub. You should be able to do the entire job without having to turn on the tap, but if the water is somehow turned on accidentally, it can result in a very messy situation.
- Next remove the tub water spout from the wall using slotted pliers and turning the spout counter clockwise. (It is a good idea to cover the jaws of the pliers with a little tape so that the spout does not become damaged)
- Then remove the tap handles, sleeves and escutcheons (the protective plate behind the knob)
- Now remove the shower head and the escutcheon that rests on the wall behind it.
By removing all of these fittings you will have access to all of the old grout.
Removing the Old Grout
- Using the grout removal tool, start scraping the old grout from out of the joints. This device is easy to work with. It is easy to hang on to, and because the blades are covered in carbide bits, it makes quick work of removing the old grout.
- Remove grout to a depth of at least 1/8” or until the grout no longer looks cracked, or crumbly. This could take quite some time, particularly if you are re-grouting a shower, but it is important if you are to achieve the best results.
Once you have removed the old grout, remove all loose dust and debris with a vacuum cleaner and then wash the entire area with a wet sponge and dry completely. This is an important step because any dust or debris left behind prevent the new grout from bonding properly.
Mixing and Applying the New Grout
In a plastic bucket, mix your dry grout according to the directions on the package.
- Apply the grout with the rubber faced trowel in diagonal motions forcing it into joints as you work the trowel.
- Never work in sections larger than 15-20 sq. feet or the grout could begin to harden before you have a chance to remove any excess.
- After you have applied the grout, use the trowel to remove any excess. Then wipe down the area with a wet sponge, being careful not to remove freshly applied grout from the joints.
- Next smooth out all of the grouted joints with your finger or a piece of wooden dowel. The grout should sit just below the surface of the ceramic tile and form a slight depression.
- Let the grout dry for 15-20 minutes or until a haze forms on the tiled surface and buff it off with a terry towel.
Finishing Up
Now that the re-grouting is finished, it is time to re-attach all taps and hardware. Apply a generous bead of silicone caulking around the spout faucet and shower head escutcheons as well as around the joint where the tub and tiles meet.
