How do I fix a bathroom tile floor without tearing everything out?

Janet Chandler
by Janet Chandler

We have tiles that have shifted in our bathroom from a water leak.

  5 answers
  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Dec 16, 2018

    If the tiles are shifted, the subfloor is probably compromised and more problems will occur. May have mold under it. I think you'll have to remove tile. Also sounds like it was glued to plywood and not concrete board.

  • Dee Dee on Dec 16, 2018

    If thins set was used, the tiles would not have shifted. I think you are going to have to take up your tiles and replace. You can see mold in the picture, so yes remove and start all over.

  • Tiles that are set shouldn't shift. The fact that there is water involved I would considering taking everything up. I know that it's not what you want, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

  • Gary B Gary B on Dec 17, 2018

    If what you are showing is what you are calling shifting then I think that you are just now noticing the irregularities in the tile but if it's the cracking in the grout, just remove the grout and regrout with non-sanded grout or epoxy grout. If the tile is on concrete then this fix should last a long time, if it's on plywood, not as long. If you have a loose tile this would be a good time to reattach it.

  • Archie Archie on Dec 17, 2018

    I go with Gary B above. Clean out the old grout and re-grout.

    If this is on a raised floor get somebody to check under the house to see if there is any damage to the wood floor. If the house is on a slab I can't see how you have a major problem.