This crack is in our shower, started small and grew to this size. Probably a few weeks now (work and kids kept me distracted unfortunately)

I'm worried there may be mold before trying to get it patched. To check though seems to require taking whole thing out and replacing. Wanted to double check with experts here

Is that a bulge in the panel causing it to crack? I'm having trouble with the single picture seeing if the adjacent panels are shifted any. The unbroken caulk lines make it appear that the answer is that it is isolated movement to just that panel.

What's on the other side of the cracked wall? Any obvious damage there? If none and it is either drywall or cabinets on the other side, I would probably peak inside the wall cavity from the other direction if you don't want to remove the whole panel. If it's exterior wall, I suppose you could look at the foundation and see if there is any obvious moisture leaking past the floor plate.

If it were me, I'd remove the whole panel. I would assume those panels are self securing when installed in a certain order. You may have to pull multiple panels out to get the one.

If there's mold there I would assume even sealing that crack wouldn't prevent humidity in the bathroom from continuing to feed the mold.

mine did that. Ended up having to replace the entire shower, but maybe you can replace one panel.
Many times, however, when you start with one part, you find much more that is a problem. We removed the panel and found that the drain pan had about an inch of standing water and pink mold....so....that is why we ended up doing the entire shower. and then found leaking plumbing, mold on the studs, wet insulation (outside wall)....it was a mess.

If money is an issue I would call a marble company and and ask them to ballpark how much to replace all sides

The pan. Back and then the sides In this order normally with a black mastic over the sheetrock
Marble craft if in BCS

Now with that said Marble showers are not your friend
I have replaced many and there is always water under the pan

Now I am not a big mold guy but it could be an issue and thats a maybe Dont freak out over mold

Definitely have to replace it. Don't think a partial replacement makes sense, even if it were possible.

You will also definitely find water damage and probably growth when you dig into it. Be prepared to deal with it. Don't freak out about it. The bulge and rack growth is because the moisture penetration is causing stuff to swell underneath.

Better to do it sooner than later.

If time or money is an issue right now and you HAVE to keep using it, I suppose you could temporarily rig a handyman bandaid patch with silicone and some sort of waterproofing tape. Really need to stop letting water get back there.

We just went through a similar situation a month ago. What we thought was a small issue with grout turned into replacing the whole shower. Once getting behind the grout and tiles, discovered mold, and from there, it was a complete demo and shower replacement. Wasn't fun financially, but good decision.

htownag99 said:

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We just went through a similar situation a month ago. What we thought was a small issue with grout turned into replacing the whole shower. Once getting behind the grout and tiles, discovered mold, and from there, it was a complete demo and shower replacement. Wasn't fun financially, but good decision.

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How much did it set you back if you don't mind?

I appreciate all the insight. I feel the right thing to do is to tear it up and check for mold then do a new install. It'll be pricey I'm sure but it is what it is.

Who do you call for this kind of check and install? Plumber? Home reno noob here.

Where are you?

Who?mikejones! said:

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Where are you?

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Cedar Park

We hired a GC, and took a few weeks, but was about $7500 total, but included the whole new shower (floor pan, tiles, cement wall board, floor pan, glass) repainting of whole bathroom and ceiling.

Tacking onto this thread. Noticed gaps in grout at bottom of shower. Best fix? Possible to use multitool to remove the grout and regrout it? Clean it and simply regrout/seal?

htownag99 said:

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We hired a GC, and took a few weeks, but was about $7500 total, but included the whole new shower (floor pan, tiles, cement wall board, floor pan, glass) repainting of whole bathroom and ceiling.

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Thats a very good price

Chipotlemonger said:

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Tacking onto this thread. Noticed gaps in grout at bottom of shower. Best fix? Possible to use multitool to remove the grout and regrout it? Clean it and simply regrout/seal?

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If you can NP1 that matches your marble remove caulk and recaulk with it

But have lacquer thinner to clean off hands

htownag99 said:

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We hired a GC, and took a few weeks, but was about $7500 total, but included the whole new shower (floor pan, tiles, cement wall board, floor pan, glass) repainting of whole bathroom and ceiling.

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If you don't replace/upgrade the plumbing fixtures....

I think 7500 to 9500 is where it will land.

maddiedou said:

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Chipotlemonger said:

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Tacking onto this thread. Noticed gaps in grout at bottom of shower. Best fix? Possible to use multitool to remove the grout and regrout it? Clean it and simply regrout/seal?

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If you can NP1 that matches your marble remove caulk and recaulk with it

But have lacquer thinner to clean off hands

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I have a tube of sanded expandable grout filler that I planned to use in this area. Think I could clean it enough and put this on top? Or do I need to remove old grout around problem areas?

A picture would help with suggestions from us

I'm down to the studs on a 36x42 shower and I'm in it for 700 for the pan, 550 for the schluter system, about 250 for tile, 50 or so for the nook, 150 for the fixture and maybe like 75 for the consumables. Doing everything but the pan myself. I'd imagine you could get out for similar if you decide to do it yourself.