Grout Or Caulk Around Shower Drain? (Compared) -

When it is time to seal a shower drain, you are going to have a few decisions to make.

This includes the sealant that is used.

You have to make sure a waterproof barrier is created to help stabilize the drain and make sure water goes to where it needs to. This is easier said than done when you don’t use the right type of sealant.

As a result, you will have to consider choosing between using grout or caulk around the shower drain.

It’s recommended to use grout around the shower drain. This is far more resilient and in line with the existing grout that’s used on the shower tiles. In comparison, caulk will not be as robust and will require regular upkeep.

It’s best to stick with something that is already proven to work in such conditions and is going to do well around the shower drain.

Here is more on what to think about when it comes to using grout or caulk around a shower drain.

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Best Grout For Shower Drain (EDITOR’S CHOICE)

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Factors To Consider When Using Grout Or Caulk Around A Shower Drain

1. Use The Same Grout For The Entire Shower

Using grout for a shower drain is highly recommended.

The reason grout is good around a shower drain comes down to stability and consistency. You are not going to want to use caulk as the finishing will be off and this is going to lead to issues concerning the barrier being created.

It’s best to look at grout for shower drains because it will already work well in moist conditions.

This is a big part of what’s needed to keep the shower drain in good shape.

Which type of grout is good for a shower drain?

You should look at going with something that is already being used for the tiles in the shower. This is simple and consistent.

It will work like a charm as soon as you set it up.

2. Avoid Using Caulk

Cracked grout around a shower drain is a concern but it’s something you can manage as long as you are careful during the application process.

On the other hand, cracked caulk around a shower drain is a major concern.

It will ruin the finish and it is also going to become an immediate issue. This is why most people don’t lean towards using silicone caulk around a shower drain.

Caulk has a purpose for other fixtures in the bathroom such as the toilet, but this is not one of them.

The better waterproof barrier is going to come with grout.

3. Focus On The Finishing

The most important thing to look into would be the finishing.

You don’t want a situation where the shower drain is not in good shape. This is when the situation worsens and it spirals out of the control.

You have to make sure to focus on the finishing as much as possible.

If you don’t focus on the finishing, it will not yield the type of results you’re after. This can take away from what you are doing and the results you see when it’s time to seal the shower drain.

4. Create A Seamless Waterproof Barrier

It is the waterproof barrier that you are going to care about most and rightly so.

The reason caulk doesn’t work well with shower drains is due to this reason. Once it seals into place, it will get impacted by water from both ends. This is not good for the silicone caulk as it will begin to wear down rapidly.

This might be okay in the first month or two but will begin to add up after a while.

To avoid this, you should look to use something that will create a seamless waterproof barrier, which is what grout does.

This is why professionals use grout around a shower drain as it will last a long time and look good too.

Final Thoughts

These are the details to think about when using grout or caulk around a shower drain.

Grout works well around a shower drain and offers a comprehensive seal. It’s waterproof, robust, and will do well in moist conditions. Silicone caulk can work, but it tends to not last as long leading to issues including cracked caulking.

Plus, grout is inexpensive making it a much easier investment for those who want to seal the shower drain using something waterproof.

This will create the perfect waterproof barrier and it is not going to cost a lot.

Look to get the same grout as what is used for your shower tiles. This will ensure the finishing is seamless and the shower drain doesn’t look out of place.

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