Key points
- Caulk and grout are not permanent — they shrink and crack over time.
- Water sneaks past tubs, showers and tile floors into drywall and subfloor.
- The damage is often found below: stains on a ceiling or warped floor in the next room.
- Catching it early saves the subfloor and avoids mold.
Where it leaks
- Caulk joint where the tub or shower meets the wall or floor
- Cracked grout lines in shower walls or on floors
- Around the base of the toilet — see toilet leaking at the base
- Around sinks and faucets
Signs the damage is already there
- Loose or hollow-sounding tiles
- Soft spots in the floor near the tub
- Ceiling stain in the room directly below
- Musty smell in the bathroom or the room below
What to do
Replace failed caulk and regrout where needed. If the damage has gone past the surface, we map the wet area with moisture meters and FLIR thermal cameras and dry or remove what needs it. See leaking shower pan signs, water damage under tile, and ceiling water damage. Vault documents the damage, records daily moisture readings, scopes in Xactimate, and bills State Farm, USAA, Allstate, Farmers, and Bear River Mutual directly.
Common questions
How often should I recaulk a tub or shower?
Check caulk joints at least once a year and replace them when they crack, peel, pull away or stay stained. Remove the old caulk completely, let the joint dry fully, and use a caulk rated for kitchens and baths.
Should I seal my grout?
Cement grout is porous, and a sealer slows how much water it absorbs. Reseal as often as the product instructions say. Sealer does not fix cracked grout — that needs regrouting.
Why do black spots come back on my caulk?
Mold on caulk often grows into the material, so cleaning it only removes the surface. Replacing the caulk is the fix. If it returns quickly, the room is staying too damp — see bathroom exhaust fans and mold.
Bathroom leak?
Call (385) 250-2825 — answered live 24/7 by the Vault crew.