Repairing and Replacing Loose Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tile is pretty tough stuff, but every now and then it may need attention. The most common problems are loose or cracked tiles. In either case, the fix is relatively easy, and it pays to do it as soon as possible.

If you ignore a tile problem for long, water damage may result. Then the repair can become far more difficult and expensive.

The first step is to remove the problem ceramic tile. If it is simply loose, try to pry it away using a thin, flexible, one-inch putty knife. Work carefully to avoid chipping or cracking the loose tile, or any of the other tiles surrounding it. You may have to dig away the grout surrounding the loose tile to gain the necessary clearance to get the tile out.

If your problem tile is already broken, you can use a bit more force to get it out. Break it up by tapping with a hammer (be careful of surrounding tiles) then pry and scrape off the broken pieces. Be careful not to dig up or damage the underlying wall or you may have problems getting the replacement tile to sit level.

The Cleanup

Once the problem tile is out of the way, clean up the surface of the newly exposed wall. Scrape off any adhesive residue with your putty knife. If the adhesive is stubborn, try warming it with a hair dryer. This may soften the glue and make it easier to scrape off.

If you are simply reinstalling a loose tile, be sure the back of it is scraped clean. Run three or four narrow beads of silicone bathroom caulk across the back of the tile, then press the tile back in place.

Most tiles have little bumps, or ”lugs,” on their edges to automatically provide the right spacing between tiles. If yours do not, you can make your own spacers as shown in the accompanying sketch, by driving in nails, toothpicks, matchsticks or whatever is the right thickness to get uniform spacing around the tile.

If you are replacing a broken tile, the technique is the same. However, in this case you’ll need a source for replacement tile. If you are lucky, you may have a few spare tiles stashed away. If not, take your broken tile around to a few stores and see whether you can match it.

If not, you have a couple of choices:

You can borrow a tile from an inconspicuous spot (maybe under the sink or behind a towel rack) and use that for the repair. Then replace the borrowed tile with any other tile that is only a reasonable match.

Your alternative is to use an accent tile to replace the broken tile. This can be a tile in a complementary color, or maybe a tile with an embossed or glazed pattern on it in a harmonious color.

To make this scheme really work, you may have to remove a few other tiles either at random or in a repeating pattern, and replace these with accent tiles as well. If you do this properly, your fix-up can actually add a nice design touch.

The Grouting

Applying the grouting is your final step. Let your repair set for at least a day. Then dampen the joint around your repairs with water, mix up the grout according to instructions and work it into the joint with a sponge. Let this set for about 10 minutes. Then wipe off any excess with a clean sponge or rag.

The Last Step

Tool the grout to match the contour of existing joints. To do this, run a clothes pin, toothbrush handle or whatever gives the right shape over the damp grout, smoothing and packing it to match surrounding grout lines.

Let the repair set for a day or so before letting it get wet.

Repairing and Replacing Loose Ceramic Tiles

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