If you have a ceramic tile that has been cracked or broken, don’t despair, this is a job that the handyperson can easily do (provided you have a spare tile).

The level of difficulty is only determined by the type of adhesive (glue) and the type of substrate (what the tile is attached to).

The removal and replacement of floor and wall tiles is similar, so for the purpose of this guide both will be considered the same.

 

 

Step 1 – Removing the Grout

The grout is what bonds and seals the area between tiles. It protects the floor or wall underneath from moisture.   If you try to remove the tile without removing all of the surrounding grout first, there is a good chance you will chip the adjacent tiles.

Always make sure you wear your safety glasses.

Method 1 – Depending on the age and quality of the grout, you can simply chisel or pry it by using a thin chisel or an old flathead screwdriver. The trick is to tap lightly and to hold the screwdriver at a 45–degree angle to the grout. Note: NEVER drive the chisel down in between two tiles, they will crack and chip. You can also use a utility knife but be careful not to slip and scratch the adjacent tiles.

Always chip “away from” the grout that is in place; once you have about 20cm removed, chisel towards where you just removed the grout from. You are simply trying to expose the sides of the tile or the unglazed portion. If you try to chisel too deeply you will chip the tile; be careful not to use too much force as you may knock other tiles loose. Occasionally you will have to gently scrape little bits of grout from the edges of tile. The secret is to take your time.

Method 2 – Another way of removing grout is to use a carbide tipped scraper. The scraper is specifically designed for grout removal and can be found at most stores that sell ceramic tiles. The good news is that they don’t cost much, but a word of warning – don’t rush the job, if you’re not careful, you could scratch the glazed surface of the other tiles. When using a scraper, apply firm but gentle pressure as you run it across the grout. Keep repeating this action and gradually the grout crumbles and can be removed. Move on when you expose the unglazed edges of the tile.

Be sure to lay an old blanket or drop cloth in the bathtub/shower/basin area. Grout chips, if stepped on, will easily scratch a bath or shower surface. Vacuum the joints to remove all dirt and dust and then wipe with mineral turpentine to ensure it is really clean.

Step 2 – Breaking and Removing the Tile

If you are lucky and the broken tile is loose, simply lift it out and go on to Step 3, otherwise you will need to remove the tile piece by piece.

The best way to do this is to drill a number of evenly spaced holes in the tile which makes it easier to break apart. You can use either a tungsten tip ceramic drill bit or masonry drill bit. Depending on the size of the tile you can generally use a 6. 5mm drill bit. Also see A Quick Guide to Using a Masonry Drill Bit.

Note: You may wish to apply some painter’s tape around the edges of the neighbouring tiles to protect them.

Working from the centre out, gently tap out the broken pieces. Start with the chisel or screwdriver at 90 degrees to the floor, and then switch to a 45–degree angle after you penetrate the glaze.

Once the broken tile is removed, you can use a wider chisel to clean out the old adhesive.

Note: It is important that you clean out as much as possible as the new tile may not stick.

Step 3 – Replacing the Tile

Vacuum any debris and make sure you have not left any lumps in the mortar or adhesive.   Make sure the new tile sits firmly without excessive rocking, and does not sit higher than the surrounding tiles.

Following the manufacture’s instructions, apply a layer of adhesive to the back of the tile with the putty knife. Do not apply the adhesive closer than 10mm to the edge of the tile as you don’t want the glue to squeeze out into the area between the tiles. If excessive glue is squeezed out, use your utility knife or a thin screwdriver to scrape as much as you can.

Press the tile into its place with a slight wiggling motion, which will spread the adhesive and ensure a good bond. Make sure the tile is line with the others.

Step 4 – Fill the Joints with Grout

After allowing the adhesive to dry, you are ready to apply the grout.

For this next step please refer to A Guide to Re–grouting Interior Tiles – Step 2 – Re–grouting for detailed instructions.

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