Question 1

How do I know if my shower is leaking or just condensation?

Accepted Answer

Condensation evaporates and doesn't cause ongoing damage. A leaking shower leaves persistent signs — water staining on adjacent walls or the ceiling below, a musty smell that lingers even when the bathroom is dry, tiles that feel hollow when tapped, or grout that is visibly cracking around the base and corners of the shower. If you are noticing any of these, it is worth getting an assessment — leaks get worse over time, not better.

Question 2

Can my shower be fixed without removing the tiles?

Accepted Answer

In the majority of cases, yes. We can repair leaking shower grout, restore failed silicone and address waterproofing issues without removing tiles — which is significantly more cost-effective than a full retile. The exception is where tiles have already loosened, the substrate has rotted, or waterproofing damage is so extensive that it cannot be addressed without tile removal. We will give you an honest assessment of which applies to your situation.

Question 3

Why is my balcony grout cracking and what do I do about it?

Accepted Answer

Balcony grout cracks due to a combination of factors — concrete slab movement as temperatures change, UV degradation of standard cement grout, and the simple fact that most balconies were grouted with an indoor cement grout not suited to outdoor conditions. The solution is to remove the failed grout and replace it with a flexible, UV-stable epoxy grout designed for outdoor applications. This is what The Grout Co. uses on every balcony re-grouting job in Melbourne.

Question 4

How long does a shower re-grouting job take in Melbourne?

Accepted Answer

Most standard shower re-grouting jobs in Melbourne are completed within a single day. The shower then needs 24 hours before it can be used again to allow the epoxy grout to fully cure. For larger bathroom areas or jobs that include silicone replacement and waterproofing work, we will give you an accurate timeline during the quoting process.

Question 5

Do you do bathroom renovations or just grout repairs?

Accepted Answer

Both. The Grout Co. handles everything from a single shower re-grout through to complete bathroom renovations including demolition, waterproofing, tiling, fixtures and finishing. Many of our customers start with a grout repair and later come back to us for a full renovation — or vice versa. We work with whatever your bathroom needs and your budget allows.

Question 6

Are your quotes really free and do you charge a call-out fee?

Accepted Answer

Yes — our quotes are completely free and there is no call-out fee for assessments across Melbourne. We visit your home, look at the shower, balcony or bathroom in person and give you a clear, honest quote before any commitment is made. You are never under any obligation to proceed.

Question 7

Is epoxy grout really better than cement grout for showers?

Accepted Answer

Yes - in shower re‑grouting and leaking shower repair, epoxy grout outperforms cement‑based grout in critical ways: it’s waterproof, stain‑resistant, mould‑proof, and far more durable once cured 
Traditional cement grout stays porous unless regularly sealed.

Question 8

What are the downsides of epoxy grout?

Accepted Answer

Higher cost – roughly 2–3× the price of cement grout.
Fast initial set – it cures quickly, requiring precision and speed.
Difficult cleanup – any residue must be wiped before it hardens or it can permanently haze tiles.
Because of these factors, epoxy grout is best applied by experienced professionals during shower re‑grouting jobs.

Question 9

Can epoxy grout be used in a shower?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Epoxy grout is ideal for wet environments like shower walls and floors because of its full resistance to moisture and mould. It’s widely recommended by tiling experts for these exact uses.

Question 10

Can epoxy grout actually fix a leaking shower (or prevent leaks)?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no:
Yes, if the leak is caused by cracked or missing grout lines, a full re‑grouting with epoxy can seal the tile joints and restore waterproofing above the tile.

No, if the root cause is a compromised waterproof membrane under the tiles - in that case, re‑grouting may fail until the membrane is repaired.

Question 11

Can a shower be re‑grouted?

Accepted Answer

Definitely. Shower re‑grouting involves:
Removing old grout down to half the depth of the tile.
Cleaning the joints thoroughly,
Applying new epoxy grout,
Finishing with a final clean.
It’s a precise job that restores waterproof integrity and improves appearance.

Question 12

How much does it cost to have a shower re‑grouted in Melbourne?

Accepted Answer

Each shower is different - so expect cost to vary significantly. 
Factors that influence price include the number of tiled walls, total tile area, tile size and format, whether the shower base is tiled, if there's a recessed niche, and the grout material used (epoxy vs cement, etc.).
In summary: expect standard shower re‑grouting in Melbourne to cost between $400 and $2,000, with most jobs normally in the $800–$1,400 bracket depending on size, accessibility, grout type, and job complexity.

Question 13

Will re‑grouting stop leaks permanently?

Accepted Answer

If leaks are due to damaged grout or sealant, then yes - epoxy grout plus proper caulking often fixes the issue for over a decade.

If the underlying waterproofing is compromised, even epoxy grout won’t prevent leakage. The compromised waterproofing membrane would have to be addressed first.

Question 14

What should I do if my shower is leaking through the floor?

Accepted Answer

First, determine whether the leak is due to grout failure or a cracked shower tray.
For small cracks in tile grout, start with re‑grouting or replacing the silicone joints.
If water is still going through to the ceiling or subfloor, the shower pan or waterproof membrane must be repaired or replaced urgently.

If unsure, reach out to The Grout Co, for a free no obligation quote.

Question 15

Does sealing cement grout stop a shower from leaking?

Accepted Answer

Not reliably. While sealing cement grout can slow moisture penetration for a while, it’s only temporary:
Cement grout still remains minimally porous unless rebuilt or replaced.
Epoxy grout as per manufactures instructions, never needs sealing and some claim it is 100% waterproof.

Question 16

How can I stop my shower from leaking once and for all?

Accepted Answer

For leaks caused by worn grout or cracked caulk:
Opt for The Grout Co, full shower re‑grouting with epoxy grout, combined with new silicone sealing on edges and joints

If leak persists below tiles:
Expect to inspect and possibly replace the shower base or re-waterproof the shower area, especially if the original membrane was poorly installed or not installed to begin with.

Question 17

Can you put epoxy grout over existing cement grout?

Accepted Answer

Not directly. You must remove old grout to at least half the depth of the tile. clean the joints fully, then install fresh epoxy overlay. Overlaying epoxy over cement can cause delamination or visual issues down the track.

FAQ's