What’s wrong with my shower install? Tile is cracking and water coming from hole

[u/treebuilding384]

We just finished renovating our bathroom shower with porcelain tiles. We did a full gut renovation of the bathroom.

1) What is the cause of these hairline cracks in the porcelain tiles? We started seeing one crack in two tiles and now it’s all over in different tiles. First 3 pics

2) What’s causing water to come out of this tiny hole at the bottom of the grout? This is on the side of the shower wall near the faucet trim.

Need some advice on what’s happening and what we need to do to fix it.

Thanks in advance!

[u/HRModTeam]

Did you (or your contractor) install a waterproof barrier behind that tile?

Bet water is getting behind the tile, soaking the studs, and causing them to swell.

If so, you have a shower tear-out and rebuild in your future.

[u/treebuilding384 → u/HRModTeam]

I believe they installed a waterproof barrier. It was a grey cement board beneath it. They also painted it over with something that was light blue. Then they installed the tile on top

[u/jacknifetoaswan → u/treebuilding384]

It sounds like they used something called Blue Max Waterproofing Membrane, which currently has 2.6/5 rating on Home Depot's website. They could have used Redgard, Schluter, Wedi, or other membranes, but they look to have used the cheapest.

That said, since this is on your plumbing wall, I bet there's a leak in your plumbing that's causing this, and my first step would be to open up the drywall on the other side of the plumbing wall and assess. Ultimately, this looks like a guy and redo, and I'd be looking to get money from that contractor for a poor job.

[u/Awkward_Dragonfly188 → u/jacknifetoaswan]

Aquadefense is also blue and is a quality product, however there is likely some failure with whatever they used. The only way out of this one is through, I’m afraid.

[u/Major-555]

I bet it is leaking where the shower arm turns into the drop elbow inside the wall. Remove it, add more Teflon tape and re-tighten. Good chance that fixes the leak. But at this point you probably want to check for water damage and open the wall.

[u/brurn_03 → u/Major-555]

Had this happen....more times than I'll admit. Highest chance of this after a new install

[u/wildbergamont]

Is it on the wall with piping? Youd better call your contractor back out 

[u/treebuilding384 → u/wildbergamont]

I’m assuming you’re asking about question 2. And yes, it’s leaking on the wall with the piping.

[u/wildbergamont → u/treebuilding384]

You probably have a leak in that pipe. You're going to get a new new shower

[u/treebuilding384 → u/wildbergamont]

Damn. Yeah, we’re planning on getting the contractor back out to check this

[u/hunterbuilder]

Looks like leaking inside the wall to me. Water coming out of a wall is never a good sign.

[u/MonsieurBon]

What is your shower hardware? A lot of modern Kohler tub spouts shoot water back into the wall.

[u/treebuilding384 → u/MonsieurBon]

It’s from signature hardware

[u/HomeRhinovation → u/MonsieurBon]

lol what? You have anywhere to read about this?!

[u/MonsieurBon → u/HomeRhinovation]

See below. We had one of these. The slip fit design of the tub spouts, even when precisely installed by a plumber to Kohler specs, has a really good chance of shooting water back into the wall. Their support is happy to send out a replacement spout, that will also have the same issue.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/KOHLER-Capilano-Single-Handle-3-Spray-Tub-and-Shower-Faucet-in-Vibrant-Brushed-Nickel-Valve-Included-K-R26930-4G-BN/313697837

https://www.homedepot.com/p/KOHLER-Katun-Single-Handle-3-Spray-Tub-and-Shower-Faucet-in-Matte-Black-Valve-Included-K-R78040-4E-BL/309064735

https://www.homedepot.com/p/KOHLER-Cursiva-Single-Handle-3-Spray-Tub-and-Shower-Faucet-1-75-GPM-in-Matte-Black-Valve-Included-K-R26929-4G-BL/314397735

[u/HomeRhinovation → u/MonsieurBon]

Thanks for this. Yeah, the “warranty” on these things is “we’ll replace the item”, while your whole bathroom gets ruined because of a leak.

[u/ChanceConfection3 → u/MonsieurBon]

Wait what?? Is there a defect?

[u/MonsieurBon → u/ChanceConfection3]

See my response to the person below you.

[u/Immediate_Visit_5169]

What kind of tiles did you use? You have some type of movement and the tiles can’t handle the shift.

Wrong adhesive of thinset? Not enough expansion joints?