Best Way To Remove Tile Around Bathtub Drains

Removing tile around a bathtub drain can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. With the right tools and a little bit of patience, you can do it yourself in a few hours. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Gather your tools. You will need the following tools to remove tile around a bathtub drain:

A utility knife
A hammer
A chisel
A pry bar
A vacuum cleaner
A wet/dry vac
Safety glasses
Work gloves

Prepare the area. Before you start removing tile, it's important to prepare the area. This includes clearing away any furniture or other objects that may be in the way. You should also spread a drop cloth on the floor to protect it from damage.

Score the tile. The first step is to score the tile around the drain. This will help to weaken the bond between the tile and the mortar. To score the tile, use a utility knife to make a shallow cut around the perimeter of the tile. Be careful not to cut too deeply, as you don't want to damage the tub.

Break the tile. Once the tile is scored, you can start to break it. To do this, place a chisel in the score line and tap it with a hammer. Be careful not to hit the chisel too hard, as you don't want to damage the tub. Once the tile is broken, you can use a pry bar to pry it up and remove it.

Clean up the area. Once all of the tile is removed, you can clean up the area. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust or debris. You can also use a wet/dry vac to clean up any water that may have spilled.

Install the new tile. Once the area is clean, you can install the new tile. To do this, apply a thin layer of mortar to the back of the tile and press it into place. Be sure to align the tile with the other tiles in the row.

Grout the tile. Once the new tile is installed, you can grout it. To do this, apply a thin layer of grout to the joints between the tiles. Use a grout float to spread the grout evenly and then use a sponge to clean up any excess grout.

Caulk the tile. Once the grout is dry, you can caulk the tile. To do this, apply a thin bead of caulk around the perimeter of the tile. Use a caulk gun to apply the caulk and then use a finger to smooth it out.