We have replaced the chaulk in our tub area between the tiled wall and the tub too many time to count... but it keeps leaking. Now the "experts" are telling us the only way to fix this problem is to remove 2 rows of tile, cut the cement board to go to the studs, then add flashing adhered with fiberglass resin then reboard, retile regrout. Any way to stop this leak with out having to remove the tile and cement board

Many times this is caused by the tub being inadequately supported and when water @8#/Gal is put in it pulls the tub down and separates the caulk. Clean out the caulking, measure the gap between the wall tile and the tub and fill the tub with water. If the crack substantially opens, you need to support the tub back edge better or putting fiberglass bonding won't help any. If the tub doesn't settle, scrape the tiles and tub with a razor blade to remove old caulk, clean the gap with mineral spirits, let dry, use a good grade silicone caulk for kitchen and bath, making sure you push the caulk well back into the gap, smooth the caulk and let sit at least 24 hours before using. This should be a good fix.

DAP tub caulk.

Hi all..

Hmmm... I like all your advice Ma0641 and you, too Kiss, but in this case I got to thinking that there are actually times where the tile and the wall board behind the tile are simply too far gone from years and years of water wicking/seeping up the wallboard and actually need to be replaced...

In fact, if the "experts" that have been there suggest that "two layers of tile need to be removed" I'm going to bet that it's more likely that 3 or 4 layers of 4.25" size or more tiles and wall board will need to replaced. You never do really know how far the highest rotted point is until you start removing the tile... ;)

Jm53d... If you tap the tiles and they move in any manner then the board and/or the tile is compromised and may actually need to be replaced as they suggest.

If the tiles are solid and there is no hollow sound or any movement then you get lucky and get a chance to stop further deterioration. If this is the case, you need to proceed as Ma0461 suggested... be clear that mineral spirits are flammable and you need a well ventilated area to use.

Only differences from above is that I use a 20% bleach solution (ventilation needed here, too) to kill bacteria... I let the area dry for at least a week (that's right... no using this unit for a week)... and then I use alcohol to do final clean up before applying the MILDEW-RESISTANT caulking... sold at all home improvement stores.

Hey, just wanted to offer up my thoughts. Thanks guys!

Mark

How true. Did the cement and lath before the cement board stuff.

There is no movement to the tiles or cracks in the grout... it's solid. The "experts" recommended this because they think that there was no flashing put in place when the tub was first installed. However, now that you mentioned the tub may not be seated right, I think your on to something. I know it was seated into cement. I know that it is leaking from the chaulk cracking I have an acess panel in the closet and can see the water seeping in behind the chaulk at the tiled wall and tub joint.
Going to give it one more try with the suggestions given here before I start pulling tile!
Thanks to all

If you can see the back side of the tub through the access panel, there should be a 2X4 or 2X6 ledger board that is nailed or screwed to the wall studs and supports the tub edge. Your tub should have a turned up edge along the rim that acts as a flashing. I'm not sure how old your tub is but all the new models have a flange for this purpose and also for screwing to the studs-if it is fiberglass.

Ma0641 is correct as most tubs have always come with flanged edges so water can't leak as you are saying yours leaks JM53d. Soaking tubs are also usually lacking this flange...

That's why I'm betting this is a whirlpool tub or a deep soaking tub... ;) As foolish as it seems many whirlpool tubs don't have a flange especially as they get bigger. Is this the case for your tub jm53d? Let us know.

Just for fun...

Mark

Yes it is a whirlpool and no it does not have a flanged edge... I have given up and will have to hire someone. I spend too much time today trying to remove the tile... have to bite the bullet and retile the whole thing...

So mark where in mass are you LOL