# Improper bathroom caulking or grout **URL:** \ **Category:** Interior Inspections\ **Created:** [January 7, 2025, 10:38pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/improper-bathroom-caulking-or-grout/251151 "2025-01-07T22:38:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 13\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![aponder](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/aponder/32/60168_2.png) [@aponder](https://forum.nachi.org/u/aponder)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2025, 10:38pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/improper-bathroom-caulking-or-grout/251151/1 "2025-01-07T22:38:43Z")
I saw this weird DIY project in a bathroom here in Alabama (imagine that). 1946, 840 sq ft, 2/1 with plenty of rehab. It appears the corners of the shower surround have been filled with plumbers putty. I could push my fingernail or screwdrive tip into. In fact, when I pressed the butt-end of my screwdriver into it it left a “5/16” impression. My concerns, aside from the thinking of the goofball that put this in, is that it will eventually crack and leak. I mean, it appears to be plumbers putty, but I can’t guarantee that’s what it is. I know it’s not silicone. So far my report states: “A putty-like substance was observed in the bathroom shower surround. It could not be determined if the substance is an appropriate application for the surround. An improper application can result in cracking or future leaking. Recommend evaluation for repair by a qualified contractor.” I was wondering if anyone else has any experience with this. Thanks!! ![DSCF6477](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/4X/e/6/4/e64550aadb9232a45eb223333a4ee0ce91f83f81.jpeg) ![DSCF6485](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/4X/b/e/f/bef324a35fc6cd76dcc02eefcfd857dd5d5d5827.jpeg) ![DSCF6486](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/4X/c/9/e/c9e09c3961356aba244d19b616bb0bde65af4709.jpeg) ![DSCF6488](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/4X/b/4/7/b47ecf380f0fff209ef20528878b216f5319f2c0.jpeg) ![IMG_7691](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/4X/b/5/7/b5795c4e606cf52d57bbd27635f437d4922817d8.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![tglaze](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/tglaze/32/362210_2.png) [@tglaze](https://forum.nachi.org/u/tglaze)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2025, 10:42pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/improper-bathroom-caulking-or-grout/251151/2 "2025-01-07T22:42:35Z")
Do you have any pictures? ---
**Author:** ![rkenney](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rkenney/32/405447_2.png) [@rkenney](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rkenney)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2025, 10:47pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/improper-bathroom-caulking-or-grout/251151/3 "2025-01-07T22:47:39Z")
Write up your observations and what you think the implications are (poor workmanship, improper installation / material, leakage). ---
**Author:** ![mcyr](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mcyr/32/173319_2.png) [@mcyr](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mcyr)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2025, 11:58pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/improper-bathroom-caulking-or-grout/251151/4 "2025-01-07T23:58:22Z")
> [@aponder](#): > > It appears the corners of the shower surround have been filled with plumbers putty. Is this a fiberglass surround with four individual pieces and a base? ---
**Author:** ![aponder](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/aponder/32/60168_2.png) [@aponder](https://forum.nachi.org/u/aponder)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 12:02am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/improper-bathroom-caulking-or-grout/251151/5 "2025-01-08T00:02:42Z")
Hey Thomas, thanks for the prompt. Photos have now been uploaded. ---
**Author:** ![aponder](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/aponder/32/60168_2.png) [@aponder](https://forum.nachi.org/u/aponder)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 12:09am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/improper-bathroom-caulking-or-grout/251151/6 "2025-01-08T00:09:52Z")
Hey Marcel, No, it’s a ceramic tile surround with “normal” grout between the tiles. It’s the corner work that’s off. ---
**Author:** ![tglaze](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/tglaze/32/362210_2.png) [@tglaze](https://forum.nachi.org/u/tglaze)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 12:16am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/improper-bathroom-caulking-or-grout/251151/7 "2025-01-08T00:16:17Z")
If it appears that it’s working and no moisture issues are observed at the time of inspection, I would just note as an FYI with potential issues in the future if it drys out or begins to crack or separate. Pretty simple. Of course you could always recommend re- grouting for aesthetic…but, ---
**Author:** ![ruecker](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ruecker/32/357170_2.png) [@ruecker](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ruecker)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 12:24am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/improper-bathroom-caulking-or-grout/251151/8 "2025-01-08T00:24:35Z")
I hate these situations where something is really ugly, but is probably at least borderline effective and appears to be working at the time of inspection. It’s so ugly (especially at the top) that one feels something should be said, if for no other reason to let them know you are not blind, lol. I would probably flag it as a sub-standard sealing method and mention that it may not be reliable over time. ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/4X/5/b/1/5b1ece372614909fc1bc83fee0137bb21aa42e06.png) ---
**Author:** ![ddagostino](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ddagostino/32/60136_2.png) [@ddagostino](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ddagostino)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 3:31am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/improper-bathroom-caulking-or-grout/251151/9 "2025-01-08T03:31:09Z")
> [@aponder](#): > > My concerns,… is that it will eventually crack and leak FWIW, you can say that about nearly every shower stall, due to sealant age, movement, etc. etc. It may just be some super thick sealant (like Sashco Big stretch) that cures softer than the average bathroom caulk. Or some [moldable gap filler putty](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6K5K7JD/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?tag=nachi02-20). ---
**Author:** ![ryoung7](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ryoung7/32/188798_2.png) [@ryoung7](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ryoung7)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 10:59am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/improper-bathroom-caulking-or-grout/251151/10 "2025-01-08T10:59:23Z")
> [@aponder](#): > > My concerns, aside from the thinking of the goofball that put this in, is that it will eventually crack and leak. We do not predict. I would tap on tiles to see if any are loose. As well, infrared thermograms. Observation: Interior. Master bathroom. 1: Poorly maintained tile grout. Degraded, Discolored, tile grout. Prior tile repairs. 2: Silicon used in corners. Not grout. Recommend a licensed bathroom tile installation and repair contractor further evaluate and proceed with any repairs required. Act upon any recommendations therein. ---
**Author:** ![aponder](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/aponder/32/60168_2.png) [@aponder](https://forum.nachi.org/u/aponder)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 2:26pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/improper-bathroom-caulking-or-grout/251151/11 "2025-01-08T14:26:34Z")
Thanks everyone for the feedback. Like Ryan said “really ugly, …borderline effective and appears to be working at the time of inspections” and “to let them know you are not blind”. That, is a day in the life of an Alabama home inspector where many notable things are preceeded with “here, hold my beer.” ---
**Author:** ![jmckee](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jmckee/32/211009_2.png) [@jmckee](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jmckee)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 2:32pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/improper-bathroom-caulking-or-grout/251151/12 "2025-01-08T14:32:52Z")
it appears someone let a blind man loose with a bucket of flex seal… ---
**Author:** ![bcawhern1](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/bcawhern1/32/408713_2.png) [@bcawhern1](https://forum.nachi.org/u/bcawhern1)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 4:09pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/improper-bathroom-caulking-or-grout/251151/13 "2025-01-08T16:09:37Z")
> [@aponder](#): > > and “to let them know you are not blind”. Never a concern of mine. Especially if it is a cosmetic issue in plain sight. If I have a justifiable concern (other than the client questioning my eyesight) I will put it in my report.