How to Remove Bathroom Tile in 8 Steps

For older bathrooms (those that haven’t been remodeled since the 1970s to 1990s), there’s a risk for lead, which was banned in 1978, and asbestos, which was banned in 1989. You can find lead and asbestos test kits in home improvement stores and online for $10 to $30 each or hire a pro for lead and asbestos testing.

Wait for the results before you start chiseling at the grout and tile. If there is lead or asbestos present, leave the tile removal to a pro.

The last thing you want is for a chip of tile to break off and hit a nearby mirror. Anything vulnerable that you plan to keep after a remodel needs to go, including mirrors, vanities, light fixtures, and even the toilet.

First, shut off the water supply before removing the toilet or working near any plumbing. Removing objects hooked up to the plumbing can be complicated, so hire a plumber for this step of the process. You can use a power drill and screwdriver to start removing other objects in the bathroom. Store these items in the attic or garage until it’s time to reinstall.

For anything in the bathroom that needs protection from dust but can’t be physically removed, like a bathtub, use plastic sheets or tarps and masking tape to protect the surfaces. This will also make cleanup easier down the line.

To remove bathroom tile, start by using either an oscillating tool or a hammer and chisel to begin cutting into the grout between tiles. Start at one corner of a tile, and use your tool of choice to start cutting into the grout. Be gentle and patient. If you push too hard, you could accidentally cut through the wall or floor behind the tile.

Continue cutting through the grout until you’ve finished a full wall or floor before moving on to pry up the tile.

Next, use a pry bar and a hammer along the edges of the tile to begin prying it off the wall or floor. If the tile doesn’t want to budge, you’ll have to break out a tile cutter or scoring wheel. Use the scoring tool of choice to cut one diagonal line across the surface of the stubborn tile. Continue cutting along this line until the cut is about 1/16-inch deep. Then, repeat in another diagonal that crosses over the first.

Now, use the pry bar and hammer to break off the tile in four pieces. Don’t worry—you likely won’t need to do this for every tile, just the first few.

Now that the grout and tiles are out of the way, you’re left with the remaining mortar or tile adhesive stuck onto the wall or subfloor. Use a wide putty knife or your oscillating tool to scrape away all of the remaining mortar or adhesive to give yourself the smoothest possible surface for laying new tile.

If you’re removing bathroom tile from the floor, make sure the subfloor is in good condition before covering it again with new flooring. Bathroom subfloors are particularly vulnerable to moisture damage, so check for any visible signs of water damage, cracks, or other damage. Listen for squeaking floors and feel for any sagging or bouncing. 

If you see any problems, hire a pro to repair the subfloor or replace it entirely before you continue with your bathroom remodel.

Now, it’s time to clean up the dust and debris from the removal process. You can either hire a local junk removal service or do the dirty work yourself. After tossing out the chunks of tile and mortar, use a shop vacuum around the area to clean up any dust. This will give you a clean working space to continue to the next step of your bathroom remodel plan.