Can You Install a Floor Drain After Tiling the Floor？

Generally speaking, drains are installed in bathrooms, and the positioning needs to be handled in advance. Below, I'll introduce whether it's possible to install a drain after the floor tiles have already been laid.

Can a drain still be installed after the floor tiles have been laid?

Yes, a drain can still be installed, but you first need to determine its position. Then, remove the tiles at that specific location and create an opening. Next, install the drain. Surround the drain with waterproof mortar, smoothing it out and repairing the waterproof layer. Finally, use tiles that match in color to cover the area, remembering to leave a slope for proper drainage.

What to pay attention to when laying floor tiles

1. Before laying tiles, ensure the floor is flat and free of dust; otherwise, it may lead to hollow spots. If certain areas are uneven, use mortar to level them before proceeding.

2. When laying tiles in a room, first perform a roughening process on the surface and then apply clean water-based mortar. For bathroom tiles, a slight slope should be designed to facilitate better drainage later on.

3. The surface of the tiles should not have scratches or corners chipped off. Do not use expired or clumped cement for adhesion, as this may lead to poor results and potential detachment.

4. Before tiling, soak the tiles in water for a while until no bubbles appear, then take them out to dry before proceeding with the installation. Avoid soaking them all at once for easier returns or exchanges later.

In summary：regarding whether a drain can still be installed after the floor tiles have been laid, the answer is yes. However, you need to first identify the drain’s position, remove the corresponding part of the tiles, create an opening, and then install the drain. It's crucial to ensure that all details are properly managed during the installation for ease in future setup.