How can I remove, repair, and reset a tile with a hole in it, using epoxy grout, without damaging it?
Asked by Brativoy Urbanovich 
6 months ago
Last Updated: May 31, 2024
Hey guys… I have to remove a single tile with a hole, repair the plumbing behind it, and then reset the tile without damaging it. The grout is epoxy grout. Ready, set, go!
Can you reach the back wall by any chance?
Unless you have access behind, I don’t see how you could avoid breaking a tile.
I always wonder why some folks choose to construct showers without including access panels. It just makes things more difficult in the long run.
Can you believe they put the shower plumbing for the master bathroom on an outside wall when they built my house? It’s in Florida so no need to worry about freezing, but it’s also impossible to access.
Do you have a crawl space or attic at your place like ? I have friends in FL who have the same issue.
Lies on a slab, but the attic is accessible. They might have entered through the opposite wall, which has a vanity area with a sink on the other side of the shower wall. It’s pretty wild.
Do you happen to have a multi-tool or angle grinder?
A properly installed tile won’t come off in one piece, and it’s likely to damage the surface it was attached to, especially if foam board was used.
If you can’t access the tile from behind, you’ll end up breaking it. Consider cutting a hole in the wall to create an access panel.
If I were you, I’d try to approach it from behind. You’ll need to carefully cut along the grout line using a multi tool until you reach the backerboard. Use a pick tool to wiggle the tile if it’s screwed into a stud. Remove the tile by grinding off the backerboard and thinset.
Looks like it’s a no-go for now.
I recommend getting a towel or soap holder to cover up that hole. Using epoxy grout will make things more complicated, and if you’re unsure about what to do next, it might be best to have someone else do the work to avoid having to remove multiple tiles and match the grout.
Removing tiles is like eating Lay’s chips – you can never stop at just one! 😎
I managed to remove the stubborn dingle ile and put a new one in its place.
Hey everyone, just wanted to say thank you for your feedback. I actually discovered an extra tile that I didn’t realize I had. I used a dremel tool to remove the grout and then carefully broke off the tile. I patched it up with some shutter board and pipe patch, and now everything is back in place. Once again, I really appreciate all of your assistance.