Replacing a broken tile: iVillage

Replacing a broken tile

You will want to replace broken or cracked tiles to maintain the appearance of a room. It is also important to replace them because damaged tiles can lead to leaks in the room, which can damage walls and floors.

Tools and materials
Gloves, goggles, grout raker, drill, club hammer, cold chisel, scraper, tile adhesive, adhesive spreader, spacers, grout

Use a grout raker to remove the grout from around the edge of the broken tile. Check for electricity or water supplies using a detector. Weaken the tile surface further by drilling a number of holes through it. Use a club hammer and cold chisel to remove sections of the broken tile. Be sure to wear gloves and protective goggles.

Scrape any hardened adhesive off the wall surface, taking care not to damage any other tiles. Apply tile adhesive to the back of a tile using an adhesive spreader. Position the tile, checking that it sits flush. Use spacers to maintain grout gaps. When dry, remove the spacers and grout the joints.