Plumbing and Tiles – How to Install and Seal Tiles

Where there is plumbing, you will often find tile. This is a convenient option for areas where water may get splashed around, such as kitchen and bathrooms. This will also present its own set of problems as well.

Water will not be a problem on tile that is properly installed and sealed. However, sometimes the sealant will age and crack or maybe it wasn't done quite right. Making sure the caulking is applied correctly can save you a lot of money and headaches later on.

The first step is properly fitting the tile when it is installed.

The spout and shower head pipe of your shower will often have tile around them. If the hole in the tile is only as large as necessary, there will be less of an opening to seal, making it easier to apply the caulking.

You can accomplish this by actually laying out the pipe hole on the tile by scoring it around the outside of the pipe. Many times, people will just assume that the hole should be the same as the stated pipe size. The stated pipe size represents the outside diameter of the pipe. For threaded pipes, it indicates the outer diameter of the threads and not the actual body of the pipe.

You will get a more accurate idea of the hole size if you physically score the pipe diameter on the tile. This will also eliminate the chance of using the size of the threaded area of the pipe instead of the pipe body. There is a difference in these measurements from time to time, even though, theoretically, they should be the same.

The best way to do this is to score the pipe on one tile, and then break it in half. A tile saw can then be used to cut out the half circles on each half. If done correctly, there should be very little space between the pipe and the tile when the two halves are put back together. This method will leave you with the least amount of caulking to do when everything is put back together.

Use a caulking gun to apply a thin bead of sealant in the remaining gap. Wipe away any excess caulking with a damp cloth before it has a chance to set. Smooth and even the bead around the pipe using a cuticle tool or an ice cream stick.

Go back and look for small cracks and gaps after everything has had a chance to dry. Having the patience to do this right will save you the trouble of having to do extensive repairs later on.