Fixing the Leak
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If you recall, we recently had a major leak from the upstairs bathroom tub/shower and into our living room below. The bathroom is out of commission as a result. In order to find the problem, the plumber does damage the floor. To see that post, click here.
![](http://bella-terra.moseke.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/leak2.jpg)
My very reliable tile guy, Rick, said he could patch it but it would look like a patch job. And the floor is over 20 years old. Instead, we decide to pull off the old tile and add a new floor. The subfloor around the leak damage also needs replacing too.
Selecting the Tile
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Fortunately, we do have a Floor and Decor in town. Floor & Decor is a leading specialty retailer of hard surface flooring, offering a large selection of tile, wood, stone, and flooring accessories at everyday low prices. A big box store, I can touch and feel the product before buying it. And they let you return leftover tile!
The tile we selected I am now seeing everywhere I go. Not realizing its popularity, the timelessness of it is perfect for our bathroom. We try to make selections that are classic and appropriate for our 110 year old house.
![](http://bella-terra.moseke.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/leak3.jpg)
Here is an older photo of the bathroom, taken when I painted our daughter’s bedroom black and white. See that post here. Notice the tile on the floor was installed in a rather crooked fashion. Overall this is a poor installation job.
![](http://bella-terra.moseke.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/leak6.jpg)
The new marble tile goes quite well with the existing Carrera marble countertop.
Demolition
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Rick tears out the existing tile~which is a messy job. Being a second floor bathroom, it takes lots of trips up and down the stairs to dump the debris.
![](http://bella-terra.moseke.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/leak8-600x450.jpg)
Naturally, all the fixtures need to be removed first~the tub, faucets and toilet. Fortunately there is space in the nearby bedroom.
Installation
![](http://bella-terra.moseke.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/leak9.jpg)
The original Hardy board backer on the floor is in great shape. And only the section near the tub’s drain pipe needs repair.
![](http://bella-terra.moseke.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/leak10.jpg)
Here is the finished floor. While the tub is out, it is a good opportunity to scrub down the baseboard!
![](http://bella-terra.moseke.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/leak11.jpg)
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Since this floor is marble, we will more than likely add a penetrating sealant for protection.
![](http://bella-terra.moseke.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/leak13.jpg)
The total cost of this unexpected leak is:
Plumber: $895.00
Cost of tile: $500.00
Tile Installation: $700.00
Now this is a good reason to have a Rainy Day fund! Thankfully, there is resolution to the problem and we are happy with the results.
Happy Wednesday!
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