Installing a shower handle on tile requires careful planning, precise drilling, and secure fastening into the wall structure behind the tile. The exact process can vary slightly depending on whether you're installing the control handle for the shower valve or a support handle (like a grab bar) on the tile surface. This guide focuses on methods that often involve securing the handle to the wall structure, such as studs, a critical step highlighted in installation guides for support fixtures like grab bars.
Before you begin, ensure you have the right tools and understand the type of handle you are installing and the wall structure behind the tile.
Identify Handle Type
- Control Handle: Operates the shower valve (turns water on/off, adjusts temperature). Typically mounts over an escutcheon plate and connects directly to the valve stem. Support usually comes from the valve body or blocking around it.
- Support Handle (Grab Bar): A handle installed on the tile surface for balance and safety. Requires significant structural support, usually anchored directly into wall studs.
This guide incorporates techniques relevant for support handles or control handle escutcheons that require wall fastening, particularly emphasizing secure anchoring as needed for support fixtures.
Gather Necessary Tools & Materials
- The shower handle or fixture
- Measuring tape and pencil
- Level
- Drill
- Tile drill bit (diamond-tipped or carbide-tipped)
- Painter's tape
- Stud finder
- Appropriate fasteners (screws, anchors - chosen based on wall structure and handle type)
- Safety glasses
- Sealant (silicone caulk)
Determine Location & Check Wall Structure
Use a stud finder to locate studs behind the tile where you plan to install the handle. Mark the stud locations. Anchoring into studs provides the strongest support, essential for grab bars or handles requiring weight bearing. If studs aren't precisely where you need them for a support handle, you may need to use heavy-duty toggle bolts or specialized tile anchors designed for hollow walls, though stud mounting is preferred for maximum security.
The Installation Process Step-by-Step
Follow these steps carefully when installing your shower handle on tile:
1. Marking and Preparing the Tile
Precisely mark the drill points on the tile surface where the handle or its mounting plate will attach. Use a level to ensure marks are straight. Apply painter's tape over the marks; this helps prevent the drill bit from slipping and can reduce chipping.
2. Drilling Through the Tile
- Install the tile drill bit into your drill.
- Start drilling slowly at the marked spot, keeping the drill perpendicular to the tile surface.
- Apply gentle, steady pressure. For harder tiles, you may need to periodically dip the drill bit in water or use a spray bottle to keep the bit cool and prevent overheating, which can damage the bit or the tile.
- Once you drill through the tile and backer board, you will feel less resistance. Stop drilling once you've passed through the tile layer. Do not use a hammer drill setting on tile.
3. Securing the Handle
After drilling through the tile, you need to secure the handle's mounting hardware to the wall structure behind it.
- Align the handle's mounting plate or the handle itself with the drilled holes.
- Insert the appropriate fasteners (screws, anchors, etc.) through the holes and into the wall structure.
- Crucial Step for Structural Support: For handles designed for support, like grab bars, it is vital to ensure the fasteners are securely anchored. As demonstrated when installing such fixtures, you need to confirm the screw or fastener "bites into a stud" or engages securely with your chosen anchor type (like a toggle bolt through hollow wall). A solid connection to the wall structure, especially a stud, provides the necessary strength for the handle.
4. Attaching the Handle or Fixture
- Once the mounting hardware or escutcheon plate is securely fastened, attach the handle according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- For control handles, this usually involves connecting it to the valve stem and tightening set screws or bolts.
- For support handles, simply attach the handle piece to the mounted flanges or hardware.
- Avoid overtightening screws, especially on decorative plates, as this can crack the tile.
5. Finalizing the Installation
Apply a bead of silicone sealant around the edge of the handle's base plate or escutcheon where it meets the tile. This prevents water from seeping behind the tile, which can cause damage over time. Smooth the sealant line with a wet finger or tool.
Important Considerations
- Always wear safety glasses when drilling.
- Confirm the location of pipes and electrical wires before drilling. Use a non-contact voltage tester if necessary.
- For support handles, check load ratings and follow manufacturer guidelines precisely.
- If you are uncomfortable drilling tile or unsure about your wall structure, consider consulting a professional plumber or handyman.
Essential Tools and Materials
- Drill
- Tile Drill Bit (Diamond or Carbide)
- Stud Finder
- Measuring Tape
- Level
- Pencil
- Painter's Tape
- Fasteners (Screws, Anchors, Toggle Bolts)
- Safety Glasses
- Silicone Sealant
- Handle/Fixture
| Material Type | Recommended Fastener Type | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Into a Stud | Wood screws appropriate length for tile/backer board thickness | Strongest support, ideal for grab bars. |
| Into Backer Board | Specialized backer board anchors (e.g., WingIts) | Can provide decent support, check weight rating. |
| Into Drywall | Heavy-duty toggle bolts or molly bolts through tile/drywall | Use high-capacity anchors, check weight rating. |
Following these steps, including ensuring secure fastening into the wall structure as needed, will help you install your shower handle on tile effectively and safely.
