How to cut tile in shower to get at plumbing w/least damage?

Question

The diverter isn't working right for our 1950's 3-valve shower/tub plumbing. Half the water goes up to shower, half comes out the tub spout. I want to get the diverter out to see if that's where the problem lies. I've got the handle off & can *see* some of the edges of the packing nut, but apparently they cut the tile to fit the stem -after- all of the plumbing was already in place. The hole in the tile is smaller than the entire packing nut (let alone big enough to let me get the socket in & turn it).

I really don't want to re-tile the entire shower. What I'd like to do is to snip the hole in the tile to something that's just barely bigger than the packing nut. How do I cut the tile with the least chance of totally breaking it & having to replace it?

Also, any advice re: fixing the diverter would be appreciated, too!

Answer 1

If you can get one of those Dremel rotary tools, with the right tip you can grind away at the tile in a very small area.
To fix the diverter you will need to get the internal gaskets seals and what ever hardware, if they're available. Possibly hardware stores.

Answer 2

I'm not sure how easy it would be to just snip away at the tiles to make the hole bigger without totally cracking them.

However, what I would do is to get a grout cutting/removing tool, use it around the tiles that connect to the hole, as few as possible, and gently pop out those tiles. It will probably expose drywall or plaster and that is relatively easy to cut and get into. Just remember, the bigger the hole, the more you have to patch. Once you're done repairing the plumbing, installing tile isn't all that hard. You could probably find a book at Home Depot or Lowes or find an easy how-to online.

Also, if there is an open wall nearby (behind the shower plumbing?), you could make a hole in the drywall/plaster wall to access the plumbing and them patch that afterwards.

Obviously, be absolutely sure about the diverter before attempting any of this. Sorry, I have no idea about the diverter.

Answer 3

I guess my first questions would be did you pay him? Then, How? Then, Why? Is he a business owner, employee of a major or known plumbing comapny? Did you research whether or not the plumber or his comapny was licensed, bonded, insured? For that much money, if no one will resolve the issue, small claims court would be my next call, then the BBB, then the local chamber of commerce alerting anyone of the situation. I suspect I'd go so far as to check the fee, and what it breaks down into (no pun), then finally I have to ask, as this may have been an emergency fix, DID YOU get a written estimate upfront, or at least attempt to get multiple estimates. As the consumer certainly you have rights, but you also have some logical responsibilities as well, IE: Knowing at least some ballpark figure up front, before the plumber, or any trades person opens a tool box. If any of my above questions relate, and the plumber works for a company, I suspect if it was me, I'd be on the phone and in their face immediately, and loudly. Beyond that you need not even threaten law suit,,,YOU can be as "professional" as you state the plumber was, and seek advice, record/document everything that transpires, then get an atty. Steven Wolf Just my two "sense"

Answer 4

How To Remove Shower Tile

Answer 5

Actually you shouldn't have to retile the entire shower nor should you have to cut the tile. They have a hand device that is made to dig out the grout around the tile. The end of it is about an inch or so long and has like two rows of saw tooths on it to dig through the grout. After you dig out the grout around the edges, then pop the tile carefully off. Fix your plumbing problem then put some adhesive back, replace the tile piece, then get some matching grout and grout back around the tile. Then all you have to do is seal it.

Tile is made so that you can easily replace broken tiles withouth having to retile the entire thing.

Go back to the tiling section of a place like Lowe's and they can show you the tool. I've seen the tool at Lowe's and I know they have other tile repair tools.

Answer 6

Plumbing Diverter

Answer 7

dig the grout out around the tiles you need to work behind. try to pop those out and if they break, oh well! what i do then is take out enough tile to make a pattern around your work area and replace with a different tile that looks good, you will never find the old tiles to match. make your hole just big enough to get your hand in and cut the pipes with a mini tube cutter, replace the valve because after all this work you dont want to do this again any time soon! home depot has some connecters called TIGER GRIPS. thread them into your new valve and just push them onto the old pipes. glue some short wood pieces of wood to the nearby studs to glue your new tiles to. if you get into a fix, e mail me at [e-mail]

Answer 8

You'll need to score or scrib the tile really well where you want the tile to break. Check out a few do it yourself websites also. I had to do this this to my counter top that had tile on it when replacing the sink. Be patient and take your time. Also see if there is a access panel on the other side of the wall of your shower.

Answer 9

Whats on the other side of that wall, can you just go to the other side and cut a drywall section big enough to get to where you need..its easier to patch drywall and repaint than to cut tiles. If you can't cut any drywall then i guess you have no choice.

Answer 10

drill a line of holes in the tile around the hole you can then with a hammer and a small chisel chip away the tile