Replace Cracked Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile often cracks where it's been cut to fit, like around bathroom fixtures. But you can fix it!

First, check your supplies for leftover tiles. If you don't have any, go to your tile store. Even if your design has been discontinued, you may be able to find something very similar. If you can’t, don't despair--be creative. Perhaps now is the time to add pizzazz by working contrasting tiles into a pattern.

You'll also need fresh grout that matches the color of the grout in your bathroom, a grout saw or bottle opener, safety glasses, a chisel, a hammer, a screwdriver and tile nippers.

Begin by removing the tub spout. Loosen the old broken grout around the tile with the grout saw. You can buy one for about $5, or use the bottle opener, which will work about as well.

Then, put on safety glasses and use a sharp cold chisel and hammer to tap on the tile lightly, cracking an "X" pattern in the broken tile.

Gently break out the pieces with the chisel, working from the center toward the edges. Clean it up and you're ready for the fun part.

Use tile nippers to shape your new tile to fit. You can buy these from your tile store or you can rent them. Mark the part you want to cut away and start chipping. Don't knock off too much at once because the tile will break in the wrong place. Be patient. Before you succeed, you may break a few tiles, so have several extras on hand.

Next, apply standard waterproof tile adhesive to the new tile. Press it in place so it's exactly flush with the other tiles. Remove any adhesive that squeezes out with a thin screwdriver.

Re-grouting is next. Smooth the grout into the joints with your fingers. Make the width of your grout line match that of the old tile. Wipe away excess with a damp sponge. Later, when it's dried about 24 hours, seal the grout and replace the tub spout.