How can I tell the tile & plumbing on my bathroom is good?

Question

We recently had our bathroom renovated. The house was ready on June 1. Since then, there have been three minor issues, but lead us to be concerned that we can continue to expect more issues. First, the seal to the toilet was put on incorrectly and caused a water leak. Second, where the pipe and the wall for the rain shower head had a small leak also. Lastly, a few pieces of grout (or sealant?) where the tub & shower wall tiles meet just below the faucet for the tub are coming off. So far, the contractor has been quick to fix the first two problems. I am just concerned that these minor issues might point to faulty work in the plumbing that is not easily seen or in the way the tiles were laid in place. Is there any way to tell that these are just minor problems or not? If I have another tradesman or two come to see it, what should I ask them to look at? I should mention that I removed the plate where the shower faucets are, and there were no leaks behind them that I could see

Answer 1

It wouldnt be the tiles, it would be what's underneath them that's to be concerned about.  If they used mortarboard to begin with, as most do, it should be ok having been wet, but wood, not so much.  If the tiles don't move, and remain straight, and don't crack when they are walked on, they are fine.  The grout can easily be re-applied between the tiles and whatever they border with.  I wouldnt worry so much about that if they are all perfectly straight, the grout is always a 'quick fix'.

Answer 2

Your grout problem is normal. Really, there should never be grout where the tub and tile meet. The tub actually moves when you get in it and especially when it's filled. the joint between the wall and tub should be filed with an elastic caulking...something that will flex as the tub is used.

For the plumbing mishaps, it sounds as if the tile person is not a plumber.