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I have been qualified for just over a year now, went to look at a job tonight, pink grout coming out of the shower area,(Should be white) wanted it regrouted
It was a new build 12 months ago. laid on insulating backing and skimmed. could this "pink" be coming from the plaster, which possibly wasnt primed
and what would be the best remidy, obviously its too late to prime, and I think the tiles might fall off anyway after a while.......?
any help would be greatful

Who are you.. user name and i can check..?

Probably from cosmetics, shower gels etc

hair dye

Originally Posted by brinkley

hair dye

I have that problem, my hair has died..

Originally Posted by Dave

I have that problem, my hair has died..

I used wash and go and it went!

Lots of shampoos/shower gels turn the grout pink, i understood it to be a form of bacteria?

I always thought if was body fats that turned it pink

Copy and paste from Wikipedia

Serratia marcescens is a species of Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium in the family Enterobacteriaceae. A human pathogen, S. marcescens is involved in nosocomial infections, particularly catheter-associated bacteremia, urinary tract infections and wound infections,[1][2] and is responsible for 1.4% of nosocomial bacteremia cases in the United States.[3] It is commonly found in the respiratory and urinary tracts of hospitalized adults and in the gastrointestinal system of children.
Due to its ubiquitous presence in the environment, and its preference for damp conditions, S. marcescens is commonly found growing in bathrooms (especially on tile grout, shower corners, toilet water line, and basin), where it manifests as a pink discoloration and slimy film feeding off phosphorous containing materials or fatty substances (such as soap and shampoo residue). Once established, complete eradication of the organism is often difficult, but can be accomplished by application of a bleach-based disinfectant. Rinsing and drying surfaces after use can also prevent the establishment of the bacteria by removing its food source and making the environment less hospitable

I think we were both on the right track CR

Just be aware that using bleach will turn the white grout yellow. Best to regrout and seal IMO

Originally Posted by Sir Ramic

Just be aware that using bleach will turn the white grout yellow. Best to regrout and seal IMO

Oh i didnt know that bit!
I had a supplier or grout years ago that seemed to be prone to turning pink i think it was a weber one.

Originally Posted by Scottley

I used wash and go and it went!

Lots of shampoos/shower gels turn the grout pink, i understood it to be a form of bacteria?

I think my dad used Vanish!

Could try scrubbing it with a grout cleaner? I had the grout turning pink in my own bathroom and the Fila grout cleaner took it off a treat (well with a bit of elbow grease )

was the tiling done on ply wood by anychance ?

Originally Posted by garythetiler

was the tiling done on ply wood by anychance ?

I was wondering about resin bleed through as well but ive seen grout turn pink before due to the above reasons

gay grout

Originally Posted by gooner59

gay grout

damp plaster tends to turn the grout pink,also i once seen someone use mr sheen to clean tiles and the grout went pink.

You should grout between the tiles (you can use an epoxy grout) otherwise it won't be hygenic - but make them fine joints for the best appearance, and match the pink if you can. If you want white try a monumental masons they may have white statuary marble. White is considered 'cheap' in Italy, so you may get some bargains from an importer. See it before you buy it though cos it may be leftover (ie rejects) from a job.


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