How to Install a Shower Faucet Through a Ceramic Tile Surround

Installing shower faucets in a tile surround tub or shower is not hard if you have the right tools and a little bit of direction. Many contemporary showers and tubs contain tiles. Follow these steps to install your faucet on your tile surround tub or shower.

Locate Pipe

Locate the pipe. If you have an existing faucet, remove it. If this is a new project there should be a bar pipe already sticking out of the wall, waiting for the faucet.

Remove the Tiles

Remove all of the tiles that surround the faucet before you move on to the next step.

Measure

Use the tape measure to determine the position of the pipe in regards to its tiles. Mark this area on a new tile piece that will go over the faucet. Ensure that you mark the circle about .25-inches wider than the opening you measured.

Drill

Place the marked tile on some plywood and drill some openings around the tile edge of the circle. Drill these holes very close together to make it easier to pound out, which you will be dong in a later step.

Cardboard

Take pieces of cardboard and layer them on top of one another to create the base. Then take your new tile and lay it on top of the cardboard base.

Bust Out

Ensure that you hold the tile down securely while you are removing the circle. Use your hammer and lightly pound out the circle in the tile. Because you have drilled the circles close together, the circle will be removed much more easily. Tap out the circle until it is completely removed. This hole will be what surrounds the faucet when it is all said and done.

Apply the Mortar

Apply mortar to the back of the cut-out tile. Apply an even coat.

Surround the Pipe

Take the mortar-coated tile and place it over the pipe. The faucet should slide very nicely through the hole you created in the tile. Press this tile using some force, so it sits nicely and firmly against the wall of your shower.

Seal It

Take the faucet and screw it into place over the pipe. Then use some silicon caulking to seal the faucet and the tile in order to prevent leaks.

There you have it. Now you have a beautiful faucet surrounded by beautiful tile. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done.