Wet Room Tile Repair

Overview

• Remove damaged tiles in a wet‑room area, reinstate waterproof backing and refit new tiles with fresh grout and sealant. • Skill level: 3 / 5 • Typical duration: 2–3 hours (for up to four tiles, plus curing time)

Safety First

1. Sharp shards & dust – wear cut‑resistant gloves and safety goggles when chiselling tile.

2. Silica inhalation – use an FFP2 mask and wet‑sponge dust as you go.

3. Waterproof membrane breach – protect or patch tanking layer; avoid deep gouges with tools.

4. Mould exposure – if grout is black or smells musty, add a half‑mask respirator with P3 filter.
   

Tools & Materials

Step‑by‑Step

1. Rake out grout around the damaged tile

Why: Isolates the tile to prevent cracking adjoining pieces.

2. Break the tile inwards and remove fragments carefully

Why: Reduces pressure on surrounding tiles and exposes the adhesive bed.

3. Scrape off old adhesive and inspect the tanking membrane

Why: Leaves a flat surface and confirms whether the waterproof layer is intact.

4. Patch or re‑coat the membrane if damaged

Why: Maintains the wet‑room’s water seal before new tile is fixed.

5. Butter the replacement tile and bed it in fresh adhesive

Why: Ensures full coverage and level alignment with neighbours.

6. Insert spacers and allow adhesive to cure (per packet instructions)

Why: Keeps uniform joint width and prevents tile creep.

7. Grout, clean haze and reseal any disturbed movement joints

Why: Completes the waterproof finish and blends repair invisibly.

Completion Checks

• Tile sits flush on all edges with no lippage.

• Grout lines are even, firm and shade‑matched once dry.

• No hairline gaps at corners; silicone bead is smooth and continuous.

• Surrounding tiles sound solid when tapped—no hollow ring indicates adhesion loss.

• Surface is clean and ready for light use after adhesive and grout cure fully (check manufacturer times).
  

When to call a pro instead

If multiple tiles are loose (signs of widespread water ingress), the substrate is swollen or crumbly, or leaks appear on the ceiling below, engage a professional tiler or bathroom renovator to assess membrane failure and re‑tank the area safely.