tile grout question (floor, color, ceramic, installing)

[ovi8]

Have 1x1 ceramic tiles on the shower floor and 2 grout lines surrounding 1 tile (off to the side of the shower) has started to break up and water can seep through. Since it's such a little amount of grout, I'm thinking it's not worth the time & effort using the non-sanded grout that you mix up. Can I use a tube of cement-filler type of stuff to fill it (which I've already got)? Or anything else on the market? It will get wet daily. Aesthetics doesn't really matter for such a small spot near the side of the floor.

[K'ledgeBldr]

Silicone caulk- color matched.
Then have a beer!

[davebarnes]

buy the appropriate shade of grout
mix a small amount
fix the problem
now, you will have grout powder for the next time

[HWTechGuy]

Originally Posted by K'ledgeBldr

Silicone caulk- color matched.
Then have a beer!

I agree. I'd use sanded caulk for this job if available in the right color.

[Ted Bear]

Originally Posted by K'ledgeBldr

Silicone caulk- color matched.
Then have a beer!

This ^^^

That grout will constantly be a source of aggravation. That's just the way tiled showers are. The failure is usually where the base of the shower meets the vertical wall. The two 'planes' move and the result is a crack in the grout. You can repair it 'til the cows come home, and it will still open up and allow mold and mildew to grow in the crack.

The good news is that if your shower was installed correctly there is a membrane and a base pan under the grout which will catch the water, so the crack is unsightly but it will not be a source of water leaks.

Welcome to the joys of home ownership.

[ovi8]

^ yes I remember the plumber banging away at the base pan when he was installing it. Thanks for all the advice.