DIY guideTile and grout

Tap along the tile and listen for hollow ones

A tile that sounds hollow has come loose underneath and cracks next. Tap each one, mark the hollow ones, and photograph the pattern for a tile pro.

7 steps

Tap a step to watch it again.

Move rugs and furniture off the tiled floor, and sweep it.
Tap each tile lightly with a coin or a screwdriver's handle, near its middle and at its corners.
A solid tile gives a sharp click. A hollow one gives a dull, drummy sound.
Put a small piece of painter's tape on each hollow tile.
Check the marked tiles and the grout round them for cracks, a rock underfoot, or grout coming out. Don't pry them up.
Take a photo of the floor with the tape on, so a pro can see how many there are and where.
A tile that rocks or cracks, many hollow ones together, or hollow tile by a shower or tub: ask Handyman for a tile pro.

Handyman says: Cracked or loose? I'll find a tile pro.

Free for every home. Handyman asks a few questions, then books a pro it trusts.