How to Repair Basement Drainage Tiles

Due to its location below ground, a basement can be prone to moisture buildup. In older construction, there’s often the potential for flooding during severe weather. Basements may have a drain or sump pump built directly into the floor in order to prevent water buildup. If the drainage area is surrounded by tile and one of them cracks, you can perform the repair yourself.

Drill with ¼-inch masonry bit
Chisel
Hammer
Stiff-bladed scraper
Latex-fortified thinset mortar
Notched trowel
Rubber float

Instructions

- 1
  Drill a series of diagonal holes across the broken tile with a ¼-inch masonry drill bit. Space the holes approximately 1 inch apart.
- 2
  Insert a chisel into one of the holes and gently strike it with a hammer to loosen the tile pieces. Continue to tap along the drilled holes in order to free the tile. Remove the pieces. Scrape away excess tile pieces along with the existing grout with the chisel.
- 3
  Remove the mortar from the basement floor beneath the tile by using a stiff-bladed scraper. Get rid of enough to make the surface smooth.
- 4
  Mix a small batch of latex-fortified thinset mortar in a container according to the product instructions. Spread a layer of the mortar onto the area where you’re replacing the tile. Make the layer approximately ¼ inch thick, using a notched trowel to apply it.
- 5
  Place a new drainage tile into the spot where you removed the previous one, pushing the new tile into the mortar. Allow the mortar to cure overnight.
- 6
  Apply grout between the replaced tile and the original tiles, pushing the grout between the joints using a rubber float. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth after the grout cures.

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