How to fix bathroom tiles

Needing to fix a loose tile on the bathroom floor or replace a broken shower tile are fairly common jobs, and it’s best to get on the case as soon as you spot an issue. Not only can it look shoddy to leave it for a while, it has the potential to cause further damage if not dealt with quickly.

How hard is it to fix loose tiles in the bathroom?

The degree of difficulty will depend on the state of the wall or floor once the tiles are removed, and how much work is needed to get them back up to scratch again. You can save yourself the hassle of what could become a time-consuming task by calling on a local tradesperson to do it for you. No matter how big or small the job, they’re ready to help.

Step 1: Cut out the grout

Using a utility knife, cut into the grout and dig it away from the affected tile(s) – this will make it easier to remove them.

Step 2: Remove the tile

Gently use a hammer and chisel to loosen and remove the tile(s).

Step 3: Prep the wall

Still using your hammer and chisel, dislodge any old adhesive from the wall. Be very careful not to damage the wall – you’ll need to replace it otherwise, which could turn into a much bigger job.

Step 4: Remove old adhesive from the tile

You can remove grout from tiles through chipping away it with either a chisel or a screwdriver.

Step 5: Apply your adhesive

Use a small trowel to apply a layer of adhesive to the wall, and also to the back of the tile you’re replacing. Do it one tile at a time if you’re replacing more than one.

Step 6: Press and set

Position your tile in place, and press it in, ensuring to leave an even amount of space around each side. If any adhesive seeps out, then clean it immediately with a wet rag. Leave to set for at least 30 minutes, and up to 24 hours – check the instructions on your choice of adhesive to find out how long it should take.

Step 7: Grout around the replaced tile

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix up your grout, and press it into the lines. Quickly wipe off any excess with a damp sponge, and then leave it to set overnight.

Don’t fancy doing it yourself? Local Heroes will find you trustworthy, reliable tiler in your area who can pop round and do the job for you. All Local Heroes tradespeople are vetted and insured. Their work also comes with a 12-month guarantee, backed by British Gas.

Get a quote from Local Heroes to remove old tile adhesive

A ceramic tile shower is a beautiful and durable way to protect the walls of your shower. If the ceramic tiles crack or comes loose, or the grout cracks and comes loose, your shower becomes at risk for leaks and mold. Repairing these problems as soon as they occur can extend the life of your entire tile surround. Remove all the grout and any broken tiles and replace them with new to protect the integrity of what's left.

1. Dig out the old grout from between the tiles, using a utility knife. Insert the knife between the tiles and cut from top to bottom and left to right. Depending on how wide the grout joints are, you may need to make cuts next to each tile, then pull out the center of the grout. The knife should cut straight through the old grout; when it stops cutting easily, replace the blade.

2. Clean the edges of the tiles with denatured alcohol to remove any grout dust or residue. Let the tiles dry completely.

3. Break up and remove any cracked, chipped or broken tiles. Hold a chisel to the center of the tiles at a 45-degree angle and hit it firmly with a hammer to break up the tile. Pull out the loose pieces and carefully chisel out any remaining mortar from behind the tile, advises Home Tips.

4. Set the new tiles in place. Apply thinset mortar to the backs of the tiles, using a margin trowel. Press the tiles firmly into place on the wall. Let the mortar cure for 24 hours.

5. Grout the entire surround at once by spreading grout between the tiles, using a grout float. Hold the float at a 45-degree angle to the tiles and spread it from multiple directions to help pack the grout into place, instructs This Old House.

6. Allow the grout to begin to dry for about 10 minutes, or until it resembles stiff putty, then wash the surface of the tiles with a grout sponge to remove the excess grout. Lightly dampen the sponge and work it in circles over the shower walls until the excess grout is removed and the tiles are clean. Rinse the sponge frequently as you work to help prevent grout haze. Let the grout dry for 24 hours.

7. Caulk the edges and corners of the shower surround. Spread a bead of caulk around the perimeter of each tile wall and smooth it into place with your finger. Let the caulk dry for 24 hours.

   Things You Will Need

   • Utility knife

   • Additional blades

   • Denatured alcohol

   • Soft cloth

   • Hammer

   • Chisel

   • Replacement tiles

   • Margin trowel

   • Thinset mortar

   • Grout

   • Grout float

   • Grout sponge

   • Tub and shower caulk

   Take a piece of the broken tile with you to get replacements so you are sure of getting a good match.

   If you find moisture or mold behind the broken tiles, consult a professional before proceeding.

Ceramic shower tiles may be damaged or broken over a period of years. This may include damage to the grout joints, or even individual tiles may crack, causing water to leak into the walls or floor space, where it can damage subfloors or lower level spaces.[1] X Expert Source

1. 1

   Remove damaged tiles together with tile adhesive (cement under tiles).[2] X Research source Go to source You may have to break the tile into small pieces and remove it.[3] X Expert Source

   
   Art Fricke
   Home Renovation & Repair Specialist Expert Interview. 1 July 2020. Go to source The biggest problem with this is that you can easily break some of the adjoining tiles.
   • Using a grout saw or other tool, remove the grout from the tile joints surrounding the damaged tile(s). Be careful not to cut through any membrane waterproofing underneath or behind the tiles.
   • Using a masonry bit, drill a hole through the middle of the tiles you need to remove. For large tiles you may need to drill several holes so the tile can be broken up to remove it.[4] X Research source Go to source Again, be careful not to drill too deep, or the substrate and/or any waterproofing membrane may be damaged.
   • Use a chisel to break out the tile(s) in small pieces.
   • Remove the thinset mortar or tile adhesive behind the tile you have removed. You will need a smooth, clean surface to install the replacement tile(s) on.

2. 2

   Make sure any waterproof membrane is undamaged before proceeding. You may have to repair rubber or vinyl membranes to assure there isn't a leak underneath the tiles you are replacing, and the methods for doing so vary depending on the membrane used.

3. 3

   Get some ceramic tile adhesive, or thinset tile cement and apply it to the substrate with a notched trowel.[5] X Expert Source

   
   Art Fricke
   Home Renovation & Repair Specialist Expert Interview. 1 July 2020. Go to source For small repairs, you may have to use a putty knife to apply this material.

4. 4

   Replace the tile by pushing it into the adhesive or thinset firmly so it is bedded in the material. Make sure the joints around the tile are uniform, and the surface of the newly installed tile(s) are flush with the surrounding tiles.

5. 5

   Wait for the tile adhesive to dry and then grout the joints surrounding any new tiles you have installed.[6] X Research source Go to source Use a sponge and plenty of water to clean excess grout off the tile's surface.[7] X Expert Source

   
   Art Fricke
   Home Renovation & Repair Specialist Expert Interview. 1 July 2020. Go to source Once this material has dried and cured, it is difficult to remove.

6. 6

   Use a good, waterproof bathroom sealant or caulk to repair any joints that do not lend themselves to grouting, such as metal trim or fixture penetrations.[8] X Research source Go to source

• Replacement tiles
• Grout
• Tile adhesive
• Hand tools

Co-authored by:

Home Renovation & Repair Specialist

This article was co-authored by Art Fricke. Art Fricke is a home renovation and repair specialist and the owner of Art Tile & Renovation based in Austin, Texas. With over 10 years of experience, he specializes in bathroom and kitchen renovations. Art focuses on a single contractor approach to customized renovation work, and performs projects such as installing custom tile showers, fixing tiled shower leaks, replacing cracked tiles, and installing floor and wall tile. This article has been viewed 323,449 times.

Co-authors: 16

Updated: June 28, 2022

Views: 323,449

Article Rating: 90% - 10 votes

Categories: Tiles and Tiling

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