Cracked Grout In Tiled Shower

[jpo]

Bought a house late last year, the inspector noted a few cracks in the tiled master bath shower grout perimeter. I do not know how long the cracks have been there. We have been using the shower as normal and haven't noticed any big issues.

I finally got around to attempting to re-grout the tile. Using a grout saw I have removed grout from the entire perimeter of the shower and a crack running up wall in the corner. I noticed after removing the grout that I am able to pull water out of a corner of the shower (the corner with the wall crack) with a shop vac. I don't smell any mold emanating from that particular corner and don't see any water damage on the first level ceiling in that corner. The corner is opposite the shower head, so I feel safe assuming it is not a leaky pipe. There is also mold growing behind the caulk on the opposite corner of the shower which I will remove, clean, and re-caulk.

Any ideas on what I should do about this water seepage? I have left it alone to dry out for a few days, but am wary of re-grouting and sealing it back up if there is water damage or mold behind the tile.

[phred]

Caulk is not always mold and mildew free, which is why grout is used with tile.  Can you find some matching tiles at the tile store?  If yes, then you are free to chip out a couple of tiles in the mold area to have a looksee.
  As for the water in the other corner with the cracked grout, it's probably shower water.  Remove all the grout from that corner and keep using the shop vac until it's completely dry
  If you're feeling adventurous,  find the 'spot' at your first level ceiling and drill a very small hole about a half inch deep.  Notice if any water drips out.
  Stop using the shower in the meantime

[jpo]

Caulk is not always mold and mildew free, which is why grout is used with tile.  Can you find some matching tiles at the tile store?  If yes, then you are free to chip out a couple of tiles in the mold area to have a looksee.
  As for the water in the other corner with the cracked grout, it's probably shower water.  Remove all the grout from that corner and keep using the shop vac until it's completely dry
  If you're feeling adventurous,  find the 'spot' at your first level ceiling and drill a very small hole about a half inch deep.  Notice if any water drips out.
  Stop using the shower in the meantime

Thanks for the advice!

I am less worried about the caulk and more worried about the corner with the cracked grout/water issue. I agree it is most likely shower water. As the shower pan is (mostly) correctly graded there shouldn't be much water in there. I'll continue using the shop vac.

Probably not drilling into the ceiling as it isn't showing any water damage and it's popcorn.