How to Replace a Tile That Has Come Loose in a Bathtub
- 1). Remove the loose tile. You can do this several ways. You may be able to simply pop the loose tile out of the wall with your fingers. Also use a small chisel or wide-headed flat screwdriver to slide under the loose portion of the tile and pop it out. If you're planning to reuse the tile, use care when removing so you don't chip or break the tile. If you can match the tile with a new piece, you can snap the tile out in pieces.
- 2). Clean the wall surface of old mortar where the loose tile was set into the wall. Use a chisel or putty knife to scrape the surface clean and smooth. A smooth surface enables the replacement tile to snugly fit when replaced, and prevents corners or edges from sticking up around the edges. If you're replacing a used tile, carefully scrape or sand the grit or remaining mortar or adhesive off the back of the tile, using a rough-grit piece of sandpaper or putty knife.
- 3). Prepare a tile set mixture, using thinset mortar or tile adhesive. For adhesive, follow instructions on the can or tube. For thinset mortar, measure 1/2 to 1 cup of mortar powder into a small bucket. Add small portions of water while mixing until you have a thick, oatmeal-like consistency, but mixture shouldn't be runny. Mortar and thinset will firm up quickly, depending on ambient temperature. Allow the mortar to set for several minutes.
- 4). Scoop some of the mortar or thinset mixture onto your putty knife blade and apply in an even coating to the back of the tile. Apply approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch of mortar onto the back of the tile, more if the tile opening is recessed deeper into the wall. You may apply a thin coat of mortar or thinset into the wall plasterboard.
- 5). Place the tile into the open space on the wall, pressing the tile firmly to mount. Excess mortar may ooze from the sides. Wipe away with a damp cloth. Place tile spacers into the space around each corner of the tile if you wish. If you don't have tile spacers, you can use short pencil stubs of the same diameter. You can also "eyeball" the tile to ensure adequate spacing all around. Pressing gently against the tile with one hand to hold it into place, carefully wipe away excess mortar from the space between the tiles, using a damp cloth. Allow the tile to set overnight.
- 6). Mix a small amount of grout in a small container. Grout mixture should be the consistency of semi-hardened oatmeal. Because you're repairing a small space, you can use a finger to scoop and press grout into the open, narrow spaces around the replaced tile. Even it out with your finger and allow to set for approximately 10 minutes. Return with a damp cloth and wipe away excess grout from the surface of the replaced and surrounding tiles.