Replacing a bathroom tile cracked, loose or hollow
A cracked or loose tile in the shower? Send a photo and the size of the tile via WhatsApp, or call 070 783 0224.
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One cracked tile may seem like a cosmetic flaw, but in a shower it's an opening for water. A tile that sounds hollow or is loose also means the adhesion underneath has failed. Customers regularly ask us: "a tile in the shower has cracked – can it be replaced, even if I don't have spare tiles?" The short answer: usually yes. Here's how and what to look out for.
Short answer
You'd rather replace a cracked or loose tile in a wet area quickly, because water can get behind the tiling through the crack or loose joint. We grind out the surrounding joints, remove the tile without damaging the neighbours, clean and level the substrate, and install a new tile with the correct adhesive. No spare tile? Then we'll find the best possible matching tile or choose a deliberate contrast together.
- Sounding hollow = the adhesive is letting go; often the neighbouring tiles are already loose too.
- Colour variation with a new batch is normal; that's why you should keep a spare.
- Moisture behind the tile? First have the cause found.
Call me back
Leave your name and number and we'll call you. Prefer immediate contact? Call 070 783 0224 or message us.
Why does a tile crack or come loose?
- Something dropped. A bottle or shower head on a floor tile is the most common cause.
- Hollow spots under the tile. If the adhesive didn't cover the entire back when laid, the tile can crack under load or temperature changes.
- Movement in the substrate. A wooden floor that moves, or a wall of boards that is not solid enough.
- Moisture behind the tiling. Water through damaged joints or sealant weakens the adhesive. Then a tile sounds hollow and comes loose.
- Temperature. With underfloor heating that is heated up too quickly, tiles can come under stress.
Tap with a knuckle on the tiles around it. If they sound dull, they're secure. If it sounds hollow, the adhesion has gone. That tells us whether it's just one tile or whether a section needs redoing.
How we replace a tile
- Photo and measurement in advance. That way we know if we can find a replacement tile and which tools to bring.
- Grind out the joints all around. This allows the tile to come out without the surrounding tiles cracking.
- Tile out, substrate clean. Remove old adhesive and check that the substrate is dry and solid.
- Fit the new tile. With tile adhesive across the entire back, flush with the surrounding tiles.
- Grouting and sealing. After curing, we grout in a colour as close as possible to the existing grout.
No spare tiles? Here's how we solve it
In many homes the spare tiles are long gone, especially if you've just moved in. Then there are three options:
- Finding an identical or nearly identical tile. With a good photo, the size and possibly the back of the old tile, we often get very close. A small colour difference remains possible, even with the same brand.
- Cutting a tile to size. If your tile has been cut to size (for example a narrow strip along the edge), then a larger tile of the same type can be cut to fit.
- A deliberate contrast. Sometimes a decorative strip or a few feature tiles looks better than a tile that doesn't quite match. We're happy to discuss this with you.
Tip for later: after a renovation, always keep a few tiles and a bag of grout from the same batch. That saves a lot of searching.
What does replacing a tile cost?
Replacing one or two tiles is not listed as a fixed job in the price list; the work varies by tile size, wall or floor, and whether a replacement tile needs to be sourced.
Send photos and measurements and you'll receive a tailored price. Combining with sealant work or re-grouting saves a second visit. If it's a larger section of floor that needs opening up and re-tiling, these are the rates from our list:
| Item | Excl. VAT | Incl. 21% VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Call-out charge: first 30 minutes + diagnosis | € 100 – € 165 | € 121 – € 199,65 |
| Chiselling, breaking and milling work | € 78 | € 94,38 |
| Dig back up and re-tile | € 70 | € 84,70 |
If a job is not listed in the price list, you will receive a tailored quote after photos or a short visit. For that visit, the call-out charge is € 100 – € 165 excl. VAT (€ 121 – € 199.65 incl.) for the first half hour including diagnosis, plus travel costs of € 35 excl. VAT (€ 42.35 incl.). You will always hear the price before we start.
Questions about replacing a tile
Can one tile be replaced without damaging the rest?
Yes. By first grinding out the grout around it, the tile comes loose without the neighbouring tiles cracking. Then we set the new tile and re-grout.
What if I no longer have a spare tile?
Then we'll use a photo and the size to find the best possible matching tile. A small colour difference is possible. Cutting a tile to size or choosing a deliberate contrast are also options.
A tile sounds hollow. Does it need to come out?
A hollow tile no longer has full adhesion. In a wet area or on the floor, you would rather have it replaced before it cracks or comes off. If several tiles sound hollow, there may be moisture behind the tiling.
Can I keep using the shower with a cracked tile?
Briefly yes, but water can get behind the tiling through the crack. Temporarily seal the crack with waterproof tape and have the tile replaced quickly.
What does replacing a tile cost?
That depends on the tile, wall or floor and whether we need to source a replacement tile. After photos you will receive a custom quote. For a visit the call-out charge of €100 – €165 excl. VAT (€121 – €199.65 incl.) applies.
