Do I need to replace my bathroom floor?

Question

We are planning on tiling our bathroom and replacing the toilet and sink. Presently there is linoleum tile on the floor, it looks like there was a gap between a coupld of the tiles ( the person that put it in didn't do a very good job) and some water from the shower/tub has hit the ground. We pulled back the linoleum and it is damp on one side of the tub (where the faucet is) but on the other side it is completley dry. Where the damp part is, it goes right up to the tub, I don't think there is a way we can take out the tub easily.....do I have to replace the floor, or can I just dry it?

Answer 1

The first thing you should do is to find the source of the water and fix that.  Otherwise, any work you do to the floor will eventually have to be re-done.

If the subfloor is just wet and not soggy or soft, then it probably doesn't need to be replaced.  You may want to consider reinforcing it with another layer, though.  

If it is soft and starting to rot, then all damaged areas need to be torn out and replaced.

Answer 2

You will have to dampen the floor anyway when you begin to do your tile work.  If it isn't excessive, its not an issue.

Answer 3

only dry the floor if it doesnt feel soft or rotten

Answer 4

yes

Answer 5

Replace it now so you wont have to later

Answer 6

Wet isn't a problem but rot is.  Using you foot put all the pressure you can to make sure the floor is not rotted.  Be carefull because if it is rotted you could fall thru.  Bathroom floors rot mostly near the tub faucets and around the commode.  If the floor is solid let it dry. Make sure your tube faucets and manifold is not leaking and your caulk is in good condition.

Answer 7

If I understand what you are saying, I think you can just dry it. What type of flooring is under the linoleum?

Answer 8

I would remove the linoleum, let the floor air dry a few days. Make sure no plumbing is leaking. Since you have a wood subfloor make sure you s***w the hardibacker into the floor and that it doesn't give or feel spongy before laying the tile or you will end up with tiles popping and grout cracking. Also you might want to make sure that your toilet will still meet the flange in the floor for a proper seal. you are going to be adding, hardibacker, mortar and then the thickness of the tile so make sure there isn't a gap between the toilet and flange or you will end up with one heck of a stinky mess.