Grout is the weak point of any tiled surface. It is porous, it stains, it grows mould and over time it cracks and crumbles, especially in showers. Once grout fails, water gets behind the tiles. Cracked and drummy tiles are the next sign of trouble. Replacing grout and individual tiles early is far cheaper than retiling a bathroom.

Leongatha Handyman does tile repairs, regrouting and small tiling jobs in homes across Leongatha, Korumburra, Mirboo North, Meeniyan, Inverloch and surrounding areas.

What we do

• Removing and replacing old, mouldy or cracked grout
• Replacing cracked or chipped tiles
• Re-fixing loose tiles
• Small tile patches after other trades have cut into walls
• Small splashbacks
• Sealing grout
• Combined regrouting and resealing in showers

Regrouting a shower

1. Rake out the old grout to a suitable depth with a grout saw or tool.

2. Clean out dust and debris.

3. Treat mould.

4. Pack in new grout, cleaning tiles as we go.

5. Allow the grout to cure.

6. Remove old silicone at corners and junctions, and reseal with fresh silicone.

Grout lines can be refreshed in a contrasting or matching colour.

Replacing a cracked tile

Cracked tiles are carefully cut out without damaging neighbouring tiles. We clean back the adhesive, fit a new tile and grout it in. Finding a matching tile can be the hardest part. If you have spare tiles from the original job, they are very useful. Otherwise, we look for the closest match.

Drummy tiles

A tile that sounds hollow when tapped has lost its bond. In a few spots, the tiles can be lifted and re-fixed. Widespread drumminess, especially in a shower, can suggest a bigger problem with the substrate or waterproofing, and we will tell you if a full retile or waterproofing specialist is needed.

What we do not do

Full bathroom renovations, waterproofing and large floor tiling projects are best left to a qualified tiler and waterproofer.

Why grout fails

Grout is porous. Over time, water soaks in, soap and body oils build up, and mould gets a hold. In older bathrooms, grout cracks as the building moves, particularly on reactive clay soils that move with the seasons across much of South Gippsland. Once grout cracks or falls out, water can get behind tiles and into the wall or floor. That is how small problems become big ones.

Regrouting

Regrouting means removing the old grout to a good depth, cleaning the joints, and packing in new grout. It is slow, careful work, but it transforms a tired shower. We usually also replace the silicone at the corners and where tiles meet the bath or tray, because silicone, not grout, belongs at those movement joints.

Replacing cracked tiles

A single cracked tile can often be removed and replaced without disturbing the rest, if a matching or similar tile is available. Many homes have spare tiles in the garage or shed from the original job. If not, we can look for a close match, or suggest a feature tile.

Small tiling jobs

We do small tiling repairs and patches: a few tiles behind a new vanity, a splashback section, a repaired step. Full bathroom renovations, waterproofing and large floors are for a tiler and waterproofer.

Leaking showers

If water is leaking through to the next room or under the floor, the waterproofing membrane may have failed. Regrouting and resealing can help where the problem is surface water getting through failed grout or silicone, but a failed membrane needs a waterproofing specialist. We will tell you what we see.

Mould and ventilation

Mould comes back if the bathroom does not dry out. South Gippsland’s damp winters do not help. Run the exhaust fan during and after showers, open a window if you can, and squeegee the walls. If the fan is weak or missing, an electrician can fit a better one.

Tiles and grout in damp homes

Grout is porous. In bathrooms, laundries and kitchens, it absorbs water, soap residue and grime, and in South Gippsland’s damp winters it often stays wet long enough to grow mould. Over time, grout discolours, cracks and crumbles, especially in showers and on floors. Cracked grout lets water behind the tiles and into the wall or floor, which can lead to loose tiles, rotting timber and costly repairs.

Leongatha Handyman regrouts, repairs and replaces tiles in bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and outdoor areas across Leongatha and the surrounding towns.

Regrouting

Regrouting involves removing the top layer of old grout with a grout saw or oscillating tool, cleaning the joints, and filling them with new grout. The tiles stay in place, so it is far quicker and cheaper than retiling. A regrouted shower looks clean and fresh and is better sealed against water.

We match grout colour as closely as possible. If you want to change the colour, we can, though it is easiest when going darker rather than lighter. After curing, we can apply a grout sealer to help resist staining and moisture.

Replacing cracked or loose tiles

Single tiles crack when something heavy is dropped, when the substrate moves or when a tile was laid with poor adhesive coverage. A tile that sounds hollow (drummy) when tapped has lost its bond. We carefully cut out the damaged tile without damaging its neighbours, clean back the adhesive, and lay a replacement. If you have spare tiles from the original job, this is the best match. If not, we can help source a close match, but some older tiles are no longer made.

Splashbacks and small tiling jobs

We tile small areas such as kitchen splashbacks, laundry splashbacks, behind vanities, small hearth surrounds and window sills. Larger tiling jobs, bathroom renovations and work requiring waterproofing certification are best done by a specialist tiler and waterproofer.

Leaking showers

A leaking shower is one of the most common problems in older South Gippsland homes. Signs include water stains or bubbling paint on the wall outside the shower, swollen skirting or vanity kickboards, loose tiles near the base, a musty smell and mould on the bottom row of grout. Sometimes regrouting and resealing the joints with fresh silicone is enough. If the waterproofing membrane under the tiles has failed, the shower needs to be stripped and rebuilt by a licensed waterproofer and tiler. We inspect, explain what we see and recommend the right fix.

Kitchen and laundry tiles

Splashback grout behind stoves and sinks absorbs grease and stains. Regrouting or a deep clean and sealing can refresh a splashback without replacing the tiles. Laundry floors and splashbacks take a lot of water, so cracked grout and loose tiles here need attention before water damages the floor.

Outdoor tiles and paving

Tiled verandahs, outdoor entertaining areas and steps face rain, frost and sun. Loose or cracked outdoor tiles are trip hazards and let water get under the surface. We can relay loose tiles and regrout joints with exterior-grade products. In shaded spots, outdoor tiles may grow moss and become slippery; a clean and an anti-slip treatment can help.

Epoxy grout

Epoxy grout is harder, more stain-resistant and less porous than standard cement grout. It is more difficult to apply and costs more, but it is a good option for shower floors, kitchen splashbacks and busy areas. We can discuss whether it suits your job.

Cleaning versus regrouting

Sometimes grout only looks bad because it is dirty. A thorough clean with a suitable cleaner and stiff brush can bring it back. If the grout is cracked, crumbling or missing, or if mould has penetrated deep into it, regrouting is the better option. We will tell you honestly which you need.

Fireplace hearths and wood heaters

Many South Gippsland homes have wood heaters sitting on a tiled hearth. Cracked hearth tiles are common from dropped firewood and heat. We replace damaged hearth tiles with heat-suitable adhesive and grout. Any changes to the hearth size or heater installation must meet the heater manufacturer’s requirements and relevant standards.

Caring for tiles and grout

Wipe down shower walls after use, run the exhaust fan, and clean grout regularly with a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid bleach-heavy cleaners that can break down grout and discolour it. Reseal grout every year or two in wet areas. Check silicone joints, which fail before grout does.

Rentals and sale preparation

Fresh grout and new silicone make a bathroom look years younger. For rentals between tenants or homes going on the market, regrouting the shower and resealing is a cost-effective improvement. We send before-and-after photos to property managers.

How long it takes

Regrouting a standard shower recess usually takes most of a day including curing time before silicone goes on. The shower should then be left unused for the time we advise, generally a day or two, so the grout and sealant cure fully. Floors may need to be kept clear of foot traffic for a similar period. Replacing a few tiles is usually quicker, though adhesive needs time to set before grouting. We plan the work so you can use another bathroom or shower while it cures, and we let you know exactly when it is safe to use again.

Older tiles worth keeping

Some older bathrooms in the district have tiles from the 1950s to the 1980s that owners love. Regrouting and replacing broken pieces with salvaged tiles keeps that character intact.

What we bring

We bring grout saws, oscillating tools, diamond blades, adhesives, a range of grout colours and sealers, and dust extraction so the house stays clean while the old grout comes out.

Where we work

Leongatha, Korumburra, Mirboo North, Meeniyan, Koonwarra, Dumbalk, Inverloch, Tarwin Lower, Nyora, Loch, Poowong and surrounding rural areas.

Frequently asked questions