How to remove and replace a tile in the bathroom?

[richceit]

Hi, unfortunately, the plumber chip a tile and he decided just to remove and replace it. He has not cut the grout before cracking the tile so i asked him to stop right there. May i ask what is the proper way to do it? Most importantly, will irmr affect the waterproofing and what is the solution?

Thanks

[JacobZ · Accepted solution]

Hi @richceit,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you join us.

Removing the tile itself likely won't be particularly difficult because the tile adhesive has been applied in daubs, as opposed to using a notched trowel which is standard in the tiling industry. I would be very surprised if this method gives any kind of real holding power. It is still however possible that the waterproofing membrane can be damaged while attempting to remove the tile.

To remove the tile, you should carefully cut out the grout around the tile using a Grout Saw, being careful not to go so deep that you begin to saw the waterproof membrane. You can then likely pull the tile off quite easily. A chisel placed behind the tile will help to lever it off, and a hammer will also help to break the tile up if needed.

If this is recent work, I'd suggest you contact the tiler who carried it out and have them come to rectify this as the installation method is not up to standard.

If it is not recent work, I'd suggest you contact a tiler for their assistance rectifying this.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[richceit]

Thanks Jacob for your informative reply. I know that dot fixing is a poor quality work, will it be a very high risk you reckon?

[EricL]

Hello @richceit 

It will not be high risk, as long as the tiler does not damage the waterproofing membrane re-tiling is definitely possible.

If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Eric