How Replacing a Small Tile?
If your wall tile is smaller than 3 in × 3 in (7.6 cm × 7.6 cm) and you don’t want to damage the ones surrounding it, drill 5 holes in an X-shape through the tile with a carbide masonry drill bit. Use a hammer and a chisel on the holes to chip the tile out.
Pry up the edge of the tile with a chisel. Slide the end blade of your chisel underneath the tile and pull up on the handle to lift it. If the tile is still stuck, hit the end of the chisel’s handle with your hammer to break apart your tile. Work slowly so you don’t accidentally chip any of the tiles next to the one you’re trying to remove.
If you don’t have a chisel, use the back of a claw hammer to lift and pry the tile off of the surface. Use your chisel to scrape off the mortar. Set the chisel blade on the surface next to the adhesive mortar. Apply a firm amount of pressure to the chisel, working in short back and forth motions to scrape the mortar off. Once you’ve removed it all, use a vacuum to get rid of the residue.
Make sure the surface is completely smooth or else you won’t be able to lay another wall tile in flat. Smooth the floor using a floor scraper. Floor scrapers have a wider edge than a hand maul or chisel, as well as a longer handle, making it easier to scrape the floor.
Use a floor scraper to smooth out any rough patches resulting from the tile or grout removal, pushing the edge of the scraper against the floor in precise, forward motions. You can find a floor scraper at a home improvement store or online.
