How to Remove a Recessed Bath Fixture From a Tile Wall

Recessed bath fixtures in tile walls were typically installed with tile in older homes. They are used as soap dishes in the bathtub or toilet paper holders near the toilet. These fixtures are recessed into the wall to take up less space and attached to the nearby tiles with mortar. Although they may look difficult to remove, these fixtures will eventually come out with a little elbow grease and the right tools.

Drop cloth/plastic sheets
Safety goggles
Grout saw
Grout saw blade
Rotary drilling tool with mortar blade
Prybar/crowbar
Tape
Wooden shims

Instructions

- 1
  Remove any furniture or fixtures that might be placed in front of the recessed bath fixture that you want to remove so that they don't become damaged in the process.
- 2
  Place plastic sheeting or an old drop cloth on the floor underneath the bath fixture to catch any debris.
- 3
  Cover the edges of the neighboring tiles or the wall with sturdy tape, such as duct tape, to protect it during the process.
- 4
  Insert a new blade into a grout saw. Saw around the edges of the recessed fixture. You can also use a rotary cutting tool with a mortar-cutting blade to remove the grout.
- 5
  Insert the edge of a prybar or crowbar between the recessed feature and the nearest tile. Gently pry the recessed feature out and away from the wall. Don't press too hard or you could damage the wall.
- 6
  Work your way around all the corners of the recessed fixture with your prybar or other tool until all of the sides are loose.
- 7
  Pull the recessed fixture out of the wall.

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