Removing Ceramic Wall Tiles from Shower Video

Mark Donovan of HomeAdditionPlus.com shows how to remove ceramic wall tiles from a ceramic tile shower.

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Howto & Style

Tags:

• Removing ceramic wall tiles
• removing ceramic wall tile

[MrHazelpagan]

but what happens if after i removed some tiles the wall is wet .

[HomeAdditionPlus]

@MrHazelpagan You've obviously have a severe moisture problem. I would suggest removing all the tiles in the general area where the plumbing lines are to see if there is a leak there. If there is not then the shower pan area is leaking. Also, water could be getting behind the tiles if the grout has failed and the tiles/grout are not sealed.

[bobbaloo747]

Do I have to replace the backer board with a brand new one? Why can't I use the existing one?? 

[HomeAdditionPlus]

If you are able to prevent the backer board from not tearing up when removing the tiles and not having high spots you may be okay. With my project, I was installing new shower fixtures. However even when carefully taking down the ceramic tile I still created a few holes in the backer board.

[omegapointil]

Another video had them using a reciprocating saw. since you're removing the backboard and replacing it why wouldn't you just cut and take tile and board down at once. seems faster.

[HomeAdditionPlus]

@omegapointil,

Using the reciprocating saw puts you at risk of cutting things you don't want to, e.g. pipes and electrical wires.

[iamhippo]

I'm removing the tiles over the bathroom tub right now....how can you cut the board in the back when there's beam in the back to support the house/wall?

Even if you work around it, you still have to work around the nails that are holding the boards to the support beam......so, not sure what would be the best way, I wish I can just use a saw to cut & not worry about the hammering & the dust.....

[MrHazelpagan]

thx you so much that will be my next step most of the tiles seems to be ok must be coming from under widow wall i hope..

[mangoknights]

I don't disagree with the host's video (good video!) but I think in the grand scheme of things this approach is messy and a waste of time. Take a small electric saw/cutter and just cut the board around the tile. Just take it out all out fast and clean in one shot. Put new cement board, seal/waterproof, etc. and re-tile or panel.

Smashing things makes for great fun on TV shows, but in reality I say save 10x the work and mess and just cut it if you can, take it out and move on with the project.

[kristinabrendel9]

Thanks. this was exACTly what I needed to know.

[katmagicate]

I'm trying to remove the tiles off my kitchen wall, and they're looking very much the same as bathroom shower tiles... only these kitchen ones appear to have about 5 layers of paint on them... I'm finding that the tiles are chipping away in tiny, tiny pieces, sometimes even breaking half of the tile - leaving half the ceramic tile part on the wall, but the painted top of the tile comes off. None of mine are coming off very well at all... Is there anything I can do to make them come off easier?

[CameronFN]

I wish someone could help me... My step dads making me do this and im only, my arms are hurting already... but i have to strip the whole bathroom of tiles :s

[AlekreSD]

I just use rotary hammer.