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cutting 1 1/4 inch holes in ceramic wall tile for a shower faucet

9 years ago

Hi everyone,
I need to cut holes in the shower wall for my plumber to install a 3 stem faucet with diverter. The installation instructions from California faucet says that each hole needs to be 1 1/4 inch in diameter.
First question, why so big, when the stems are skinny? Is it because you need to allow for future access to the cartridges?
Second question, how would you go about cutting the holes in the wall? A large bit (hole saw), or a 1 1/4" circle of tiny holes.
I appreciate any advice or experience.
Thanks!

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Comments (7)

geoffrey_b
9 years ago
If the hole falls between two tile - then you can use a tile saw. Otherwise get some putty (plumbers putty) and build a little cup - 1/2" high on the tile. Fill this cup with water. Use a carbide hole saw.
ship4u
Original Author
9 years ago
Hi Geoffrey,
Thanks for the follow up and suggestion. The problem is that the tiles are mounted on the wall, so building a cup out of plumber's putty wouldn't work. Each cut will be close to centered within the tile.
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I believe the difference in color is too great with the white and brown. Why? 3 reasons 1. The products that are cemented to the building you will not redo anytime soon. Messy , dirty, expensive and just not worth the trouble 2. When you add a product to the building structure. Windows , floors they must last a long time. Durability, wear and tear, and STYLE. All equal a story of when the home was designed. The look over a period of time 10 years + and the home will become "out of date" Needs a face lift . 3. The homes we admire, the Museums, Churches, Libraries, Opera House have one common thread. At a glance they are timeless. Built in 1940, 1990 etc The crystal clear item is not seen For this reason I would not go "trendy". Generally our first choice is the right one. Simple and elegant How do you change this ad time moves on. Color Bedroom a change of bedspread. Bathroom towels become a dark navy or deep forest green. Yellow for spring Paint a wall blue, hang a piece of art The change is simple and your money well spent for resale Take a moment to do another board Remove the brown and replace with a neutral. Try an Odegard runner - There are so many options Enjoy
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millworkman
9 years ago
A diamond hole saw bit will be your best friend for this. They are a little expensive but the best way to avoid cracking the tile. I would recommend have a second pair of hands available with a spray bottle of some sort of liquid to spray the tile and keep everything cool, also to help avoid breaking the tile (alluding to Geoffrey's post about making a pool or bath).
ship4u
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks, Millworkman,
I think the idea of a spray bottle to keep the bit and tile cool while drilling is a great idea. I was wondering about diamond coated hole saw vs. tungsten carbide. I read somewhere that the diamond should be used on porcelain and tungsten carbide on ceramic. You feel the diamond would be better for this job, cutting ceramic?
Thanks.
millworkman
9 years ago
That I am not certain of. The company I work for (as a PM/Estimator) usually only does glass but not tile but one of my installers does tile as well and from what I know the only thing he uses id a diamond hole saw, Maybe tungsten carbide would be better bu I do not know. The keeping it cool part is essential for either however.
ship4u
Original Author
9 years ago
The diamond hole saw worked great. I took it slow, sprayed water in the cut, and cleaned out the sludge every so often to keep the temperature cool. Only $39 and it did all 3 holes, ceramic tiles and an inch of cement wall.
Thanks!
PRO
Renovations by Ryan
6 months ago
I have a sponge I cut the edge with half the bit. Soak the sponge and hold it to the side of the bit. It cools and cleans.

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