Let’s say you step on your floor. The tiles feel loose. Maybe you hear a hollow sound. Or you notice a musty smell that won’t go away. Something is wrong. Chances are, water is trapped under your tiles.
This can cause mold, bad smells, and even damage your floor. Many people think they need to tear out the tiles to fix it. But guess what? You don’t have to! There are easy ways to dry the water without removing tiles.
So, how to dry out water under tiles? Simply put, you can use fans, dehumidifiers, and heaters to dry the moisture. A wet vacuum or drying agents like baking soda can also help.
Here, we’re going to show you step-by-step how to fix this problem. No need for expensive repairs. Just simple methods that work.
Let’s get started!
Why is There Water Under the Tile Floor?
Water can get trapped under tiles in many ways:
| Cause | How It Happens |
| Leaky Pipes | Water slowly seeps under tiles. |
| Flooding | Water stays trapped after a flood. |
| High Humidity | Moisture collects under tiles over time. |
| Cracked Grout | Water enters through small cracks. |
Even small amounts of water can cause big damage if left untreated.
How to Know If Water is Under Your Tiles?
Look for these clear signs:
- Tiles sound hollow when tapped.
- There is a musty smell in the room.
- Mold is growing on or between tiles.
- Tiles feel loose or wobbly.
- You see water stains on the tiles.
If you notice these, act fast before things get worse!
Risks of Ignoring Water Under Tiles
If you ignore water under your tiles, things will get worse. Mold and mildew will start growing, which is bad for your health. The floor underneath can weaken, which ultimately leads to serious damage.
Over time, tiles can become loose and break, which makes repairs even more expensive. Don’t wait! Let’s fix it before it gets out of hand.
How to Dry Out Water Under Tiles Without Removing Them
So, Will Water Under Tiles Dry Out on Its Own?
Not always! Some water evaporates, but most stays trapped. You must take steps to remove it.
Here are the best methods to dry out water under tiles.
1. Improve Air Circulation
First, let’s get some air moving! Open windows and doors to let fresh air in. Use fans to blow air over the wet area and speed up drying. If you can, lift the baseboards so air can reach underneath.
This method works best for small moisture buildup and helps prevent mold.
Want to learn how to check for mold after water damage? Our insightful guide provides detailed instructions.
2. Use a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier pulls moisture from the air and tiles.
- Set it at 30-50% humidity.
- Place it close to the wet area.
- Keep it running for 24-48 hours.
Dehumidifier Effectiveness Chart
| Room Size | Dehumidifier Size | Time to Dry |
| Small Room (100-200 sq ft) | 30-pint | 1-2 days |
| Medium Room (200-500 sq ft) | 50-pint | 2-3 days |
| Large Room (500+ sq ft) | 70-pint | 3+ days |
**Best for: Water-damaged tile in humid areas.
3. Apply Heat to Evaporate Moisture
Heat helps water on tiles dry faster. Use a hairdryer or heat gun on a low setting to warm the area. Place space heaters around the room to speed up drying.
Be careful—too much heat can crack tiles. This method is great for quick drying of small areas.
4. Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum
A wet vacuum pulls water under tile floors through the grout lines. Move it slowly to extract as much water as possible. Repeat the process for a few days for the best results. It works well if your tiles are flooded or have visible moisture.
Pro tip: Spray rubbing alcohol before vacuuming—it helps absorb water!
5. Absorb Moisture with Desiccants
Desiccants soak up hidden water under tiles. Sprinkle baking soda over the tiles, wait 24 hours, then vacuum it up. Place bowls of kitty litter near wet tiles to absorb moisture. Silica gel works best in small rooms where drying takes longer. This method is perfect for slow drying over a few days.
6. Inject Drying Agents Under Tiles
If water is deep under the tiles, you need drying agents. Drill tiny holes in the grout and inject calcium chloride or a drying compound. Let it sit for 48 hours to absorb the moisture, then seal the holes. This works best for long-term trapped moisture that won’t dry on its own.
How to Prevent Water from Getting Trapped Again
To stop water from getting trapped under tiles again, it’s important to check for leaks regularly. You should also seal grout every 6-12 months to keep moisture out. Besides, you can improve ventilation by using fans or vents to help keep the area dry. These steps will help you avoid water damage under your tiles in the future.
You can check out this insightful guide to learn all about the signs of water damage.
Do You Have to Replace Tile After a Flood?
You don’t always have to replace tile after a flood. If your tiles are still firmly attached, simply drying them will do the trick. However, if the tiles are loose or damaged, you might need to replace them.
When to Call a Professional?
If you see mold keeps coming back, or water has damaged the subfloor, it’s definitely time to call a professional. You should also get help if your tiles are falling off completely. Professionals, like a water damage restoration company, have special industrial drying equipment that can fix severe water damage.
If the water damage is really bad or widespread, they can quickly remove moisture from your floors, walls, and even the air, stopping any further damage. Don’t wait too long, as they can prevent long-term problems like mold or structural damage.
At SOS Restoration, we help remove mold and fix water damage. Our team uses the best tools to get rid of mold and make sure it doesn’t come back. We are here 24/7 to help with any emergency. Our prices are affordable, and we make sure you’re happy with the work we do.
Just give us a call, and we’ll take care of everything!
Wrapping Up
So, that’s all about how to dry out water under tiles without removing them. By using airflow, dehumidifiers, heat, vacuums, and drying agents, you can fix the problem. But, act fast to prevent mold on tile floors and further damage.
If you ever find yourself dealing with water under tile floors, try these steps before you think about replacing the tiles!
Also, an important thing you must learn is how to get insurance to pay for water damage. Our detailed guide on this topic covers this topic.
FAQs
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