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Ask the Builder’s “Wall Tile Removal Part 1” is a Tim Carter video about removing bathroom wall tile, published on YouTube on April 1, 2016 and featured in the publisher’s April 5, 2016 newsletter. The accessible description confirms the subject, but it does not document the tools, order of work, wall backing, or specific removal technique. That distinction matters: you can use the video to understand the remodeling series, but you should not treat its listing as a complete method statement for your bathroom.
What the Part 1 video is
Tim Carter is the presenter associated with Ask the Builder, and the Part 1 video concerns wall-tile removal during a bathroom remodel. Ask the Builder identified the video in its April 5, 2016 newsletter. The YouTube listing gives April 1, 2016 as its publication date. Those are two different dates for the same installment: the listing date is when the video was published, while the newsletter date is when the publisher featured it.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches| Item | What is established | What is not established by the accessible listing |
|---|---|---|
| Presenter | Tim Carter | — |
| Publisher | Ask the Builder | — |
| Subject | Wall-tile removal as part of a bathroom-remodel series | The exact wall assembly in the demonstration |
| Publication timing | YouTube listing: April 1, 2016; newsletter feature: April 5, 2016 | Whether those dates describe filming or the start of a particular renovation |
| Method details | Not stated in the accessible description | Tools, sequence, force, dust controls, and treatment of the backing |
What the description can—and cannot—tell you
A title such as “wall tile removal” identifies the subject, not a universal procedure. Tile can be bonded to different backing systems, and the condition of the tile, adhesive, grout, adjacent surfaces, plumbing, and electrical work changes the risk. The available Part 1 description does not say whether Carter starts with a particular tile, uses a hand tool or power tool, removes tile individually, cuts out a larger section, or takes the backing out with the tile.
It would therefore be inaccurate to say that Carter demonstrates a chisel-and-hammer sequence, a pry-bar technique, or any other named tool combination unless the video itself has been reviewed for that detail. A product search for “wall tile removal tools” may return common equipment, but those lists are not evidence of what appears in this installment. Treat a tool list as a project-planning question, not as a caption for Carter’s demonstration.
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- Trim Saving - The trim removal tool has a larger, flatter and wider contact area than clumsy traditional tools and features an integrated wedged center that provides increased removal efficiency and prevents damage to both the trim and wall
- Sturdy Pry Bars - Our trim puller is made from carbon steel and 65Mn steel with black electrophoretic and polished finish, which protects against corrosion and gives our pry bar added durability and strength. So the Trim Puller is a very beefy tool, and it will hold up well to repeated whacking
- Multi-Function - Ideal for commercial work, repair and remodel projects where care and precision are needed, including cabinets, countertops, flooring, and many more. It can be used on a kitchen remodel, removing a couple of sections of baseboard, a countertop from some base cabinets, and pulling up a ceramic tile floor. The very edge can also be used to pry up the staples
- Ergonomic Handle - The trim puller is built with an ergonomic, comfortable and textured dipped handle. An impact-absorbing TPR+PP handle makes it comfortable to hold
- Revolutionary Tool - Our Trim Puller is a very beefy tool. The Built-in spring design assists in separating the trim from the wall freely and quickly. The 15-degree wedged center is for easy extraction of trim and baseboards. Goldblatt holds a U.S. patent for this Trim Puller, patent number US 11,142,921
The same caution applies to claims about speed, dust, damage to drywall or cement board, and whether the finished wall is ready for new tile. None of those outcomes is documented by the accessible text.
Part 2 is related, but it is not proof of Part 1’s method
Ask the Builder has a separate Part 2 page. That page discusses a situation involving tile between two tiled walls. It is useful context for the series, but it should not be merged with the Part 1 description. A detail reported on Part 2 does not establish what Carter did in Part 1.
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One commenter on the related Part 2 page wrote, “I am in the beginning process of (trying) to remove bathroom tile from a 1950’s home.” The commenter also described porcelain tile over “1/2 inch of cement and a wire sheet.” This is the reader’s account of one older bathroom, not a specification for Carter’s project and not a construction standard for every 1950s home. It does, however, illustrate why the visible tile is only the top layer of a wall and why the backing should be identified before demolition.
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- 【Effortless Tile Extraction】Our tile removal tool is designed with a non-slip rubber handle, ensuring a comfortable grip and effortless operation. The ergonomic design allows for quick disassembly, making your tile removing process more efficient and less time-consuming.
- 【Robust Baseboard Pry Bars】Crafted from hardened steel and coated with a black polish, our baseboard removal tool is not only corrosion and rust-resistant but also capable of withstanding heavy blows. This durability ensures that your trim puller tool for baseboard remains effective even with extensive use.
- 【Precision and Protection】With a larger, flatter, and wider contact area, our trimming tools outperform traditional methods, offering higher trimming efficiency while minimizing damage to walls and floors. This feature makes our trim puller an ideal choice for both delicate and robust tile tools applications.
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- 【Wide Application in Home Improvement】Our hangable wood tile trim molding removal tool is not just limited to residential projects but is also perfect for commercial work, repair, and remodel projects. Its precision and care make it suitable for tasks involving cabinets, countertops, flooring, and much more, including being an effective carpet tack strip remover tool and siding removal tool.
Check the wall before disturbing it
Removing tile can disturb grout, mortar, adhesive, plaster, cementitious backing, wire reinforcement, drywall, insulation, or older patching compounds. You may also uncover plumbing or electrical work. The safest first step is to determine what is behind the finish and whether the proposed work will disturb a suspect material.
Appearance is not an asbestos test
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency states: “It’s not possible for you to tell whether a material in your home contains asbestos simply by looking at it.” A clean-looking wall, a dated tile pattern, or a cement-like layer cannot establish that a material is asbestos-free.
If a material is suspected of containing asbestos, EPA’s homeowner guidance says, “If you suspect material contains asbestos, don’t touch it.” When renovation would disturb suspect material, EPA recommends sampling by a properly trained and accredited inspector and analysis by a qualified laboratory. Repair or removal of asbestos-containing material that would be disturbed during renovation should be performed by a trained and accredited professional.
The Tool Desk
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- Damage Prevention - The trim removal tool boasts a larger, flatter, and wider contact area compared to traditional tools. Its integrated wedged center significantly enhances removal efficiency while preventing damage to both trim and walls.
- Superior Material and Durability - Our trim puller is made from carbon steel and 65Mn steel with black electrophoretic and polished finish, which protects against corrosion and gives our pry bar added durability and strength. So the Trim Puller is a very beefy tool, and it will hold up well to repeated whacking.
- Versatile Application for Precision Projects - Perfect for commercial tasks and meticulous remodel projects, including applications in cabinets, countertops, and flooring. From kitchen remodels to delicate tile removal, it excels in precision work such as extracting staples with minimal effort.
- Ergonomic Design for Comfort - All our trim puller is built with an ergonomic, comfortable and textured dipped handle. An impact-absorbing TPR+PP handle makes it comfortable to hold, though.
- Revolutionary Tool - Our Trim Puller is a very beefy tool. The Built-in spring design assists in separating the trim from the wall freely and quickly. The 15-degree wedged center is for easy extraction of trim and baseboards.Goldblatt holds a U.S. patent for this Trim Puller, patent number US 11,142,921.
Use a stop rule
Stop work if you encounter a material whose composition is uncertain and whose disturbance could release fibers or hazardous dust. Do not scrape, break, drill, sand, or collect a DIY sample from that material. Arrange qualified inspection and follow the requirements that apply in your location. This is a safety decision, not a judgment that every old tile wall contains asbestos.
Record the assembly without demolition
- Note the home’s approximate age and any previous bathroom renovations.
- Look for accessible records, photographs, or an unfinished side of the wall that identifies the backing without opening the tiled surface.
- Locate plumbing fixtures, supply lines, drains, electrical outlets, switches, and heating equipment on both sides of the wall.
- Photograph cracks, loose tiles, grout loss, bulges, and transitions at corners or ceilings before work begins.
- Ask an inspector or contractor what testing is required before disturbing older backing or adhesive.
A responsible way to use the video
Because the listing does not provide a written method, use Part 1 as a visual reference only after you have established that your wall is safe to disturb and sufficiently similar to the demonstration.
- Watch for the assembly, not just the motion. Identify whether the camera shows tile over drywall, a cement-based panel, mortar, or another backing. If the backing is not visible, mark it as unknown rather than assuming it matches your bathroom.
- Separate observed actions from your assumptions. Write down only actions you can actually see: where work begins, what is protected, and what is removed. Do not fill gaps in the video with a remembered tool list or a generic internet tutorial.
- Compare conditions before copying an approach. Check tile size, grout width, wall location, corners, niches, fixtures, and the condition of adjacent surfaces. A method that looks controlled on an open wall may be unsuitable beside a shower valve or a fragile corner.
- Set dust and debris controls before starting. Decide how the room will be isolated, how ventilation will be managed, where debris will go, and how workers will avoid spreading contamination. If suspect material is present, follow the qualified professional’s containment and disposal plan instead.
- Define the stopping point. Agree in advance whether the project ends at tile removal, removal of the backing, exposure of studs, or preparation for new tile. Each endpoint exposes different materials and may require different trades.
- Inspect after each exposed layer. Pause when the wall differs from what the video shows, when the substrate is damaged, or when hidden services appear. Reassess rather than increasing force to make the original plan work.
Wall assemblies can change the job completely
Tile removal is not one uniform task because the tile is only the finish layer. A rigid mortar or cementitious backing can behave differently from drywall or a modern tile backer. Wire reinforcement can hold a section together while also making it harder to separate cleanly. Water damage can weaken the substrate, while a sound substrate can transfer impact into neighboring tile.
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The Part 2 commenter’s description of porcelain over “1/2 inch of cement and a wire sheet” is one example of a substantial older assembly. It should prompt an inspection question—“What is this wall made of?”—not a conclusion that your wall has the same layers. If you cannot identify the backing without disturbing it, obtain an assessment before choosing a removal plan.
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|---|---|---|
| Tile is loose, bulging, or cracked | The substrate may be wet, detached, or unstable | Investigate the cause and protect adjacent areas before proceeding |
| Dense cement-like layer or wire appears | The wall may be an older mortar or reinforced assembly | Stop to identify the material and obtain professional advice if its composition is uncertain |
| Work is beside plumbing or electrical devices | Impact or removal can damage concealed services | Map services and use a qualified trade where access or isolation is uncertain |
| Material may contain asbestos | Disturbance can create a health hazard | Do not touch it; use trained, accredited inspection and abatement professionals as EPA recommends |
Questions the video does not answer
Keep these unanswered points visible in your project notes. They are not minor omissions; each can change the scope, cost, and safety plan.
- What exact tool makes the first break in the tile or grout?
- Is the demonstrated work limited to tile, or does it remove the backing too?
- How are adjacent walls, a tub, a shower pan, fixtures, and flooring protected?
- How is dust controlled, and how is debris handled?
- What substrate condition is considered acceptable for new tile?
- What happens when tile will not release cleanly?
- Does the demonstration involve a known, tested wall assembly?
Unless you can verify an answer by watching the relevant footage or consulting a qualified professional, leave the item open. An unanswered question is safer than an invented detail.
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- SDS-PLUS SHANK: This sds plus chisel bit features a standard 10mm SDS Plus shank for use with SDS Plus rotary hammers. The slotted shank enables quick tool changes without additional equipment and provides secure torque transfer for efficient chiseling and demolition work
- Firecore bent tile chisel with ergonomically angled working end, guarantees tile and thinset removal in high efficiency rate, removes material up to 30% quicker than conventional tile chisels.
- Special hardened steel alloy with heat treatment process, durable to support you with all kinds of scaling jobs.
- Great chisel tool for DIY enthusiasts and home owners, ideal for removing old tiles, laminates, thinset, rust, weld spatter, concrete splatter, mortar and other adhesive.
- SHARPENED BLADE: The sharpened, flexible blade cuts under material faster. The beveled chisel plate edge provides continuous material removal and less bindup, also prevents the user from excessively leaning over to improve user ergonomics.
When professional help is the right choice
Arrange qualified help before demolition when suspect asbestos-containing material may be disturbed, when the wall assembly is unknown and inaccessible, or when the work involves extensive mortar, wire reinforcement, water damage, or concealed services. EPA’s recommendation for trained and accredited professionals applies specifically to repair or removal of asbestos-containing material that renovation would disturb.
A contractor should be able to explain the observed wall assembly, the planned stopping point, protection for adjoining finishes, dust and debris controls, and what conditions would trigger a change in scope. An asbestos inspector should explain credentials, sampling, laboratory analysis, and the written result. Do not accept a visual assurance that an old backing material is safe.
How to document your own project
Before anyone removes tile, create a one-page project brief containing:
- The room, wall, tile type, and approximate installation date if known.
- Photos of every corner, transition, fixture, outlet, and visible defect.
- The suspected backing material and the evidence supporting that identification.
- Any inspection, sampling, or laboratory documentation.
- The planned endpoint: tile only, tile and backing, or wall framing.
- The person responsible for plumbing, electrical, asbestos assessment, disposal, and rebuilding.
- Clear stop conditions for unexpected layers, damaged services, or suspect material.
This brief lets you evaluate the video without pretending that a short demonstration is a complete specification for your bathroom.
Bottom line on “Wall Tile Removal Part 1”
The video is a 2016 Ask the Builder installment associated with Tim Carter and focused on wall-tile removal. Its accessible description establishes the subject and dates, but not the tools or sequence. Part 2 and its comments provide context, including one reader’s report of porcelain over cement and wire in a 1950s home; they do not prove what Part 1 shows or what your wall contains. Use the footage to frame questions, identify differences, and plan an inspection. Before disturbing an older or uncertain wall, follow EPA’s asbestos guidance and obtain trained, accredited professional help when suspect material may be affected.
Quick Recap
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