How to Cut Tile Around Pipes (Notches and Holes for Any Pipe Size)

Cutting tile around pipes is a common challenge in bathroom and kitchen tiling — whether it's a toilet supply line, a radiator pipe, or a shower valve. The approach depends on where the pipe is relative to the tile: at the edge (requiring a notch) or in the middle (requiring a hole). This guide covers both situations.

What You'll Need

• Glass & Ceramic Tile Nippers Set — for notches at tile edges
• Oscillating Multi-Tool — for precise notch cuts
• Diamond Blade for Angle Grinder — for larger cuts and porcelain
• Pencil or marker
• Compass or circle template
• Safety glasses and gloves
• Pipe escutcheon/cover plate (to hide the gap around the pipe)

Situation 1: Pipe at the Edge of a Tile (Notch Cut)

This is the most common situation — a pipe comes through the wall or floor at a point where a tile edge will meet it.

Step 1: Mark the notch.
Hold the tile in its installation position and mark where the pipe intersects the tile edge. Mark the width and depth of the notch needed to fit around the pipe, adding 3–5mm clearance on all sides.

Step 2: Cut the notch.
For ceramic tile: use tile nippers to nibble out the notch. Score the notch outline first, then nibble away material in small bites working toward the lines.
For porcelain or larger notches: use an oscillating multi-tool with a carbide or diamond blade to cut the notch precisely. This gives cleaner results on hard tile.

Step 3: Test the fit.
Dry-fit the tile around the pipe before applying adhesive. The pipe should pass through the notch with 3–5mm clearance on all sides.

Situation 2: Pipe in the Middle of a Tile (Hole Cut)

When a pipe comes through the floor or wall in the center of where a tile will sit, you need to cut a hole in the tile.

Step 1: Mark the hole.
Position the tile and mark the center of the pipe on the tile. Use a compass to draw a circle 6–10mm larger than the pipe diameter.

Step 2: Cut the hole.
Use an angle grinder with a diamond blade and the relief cut method: make multiple straight cuts from the edge of the tile to just inside the circle, then cut around the circle. Alternatively, split the tile into two pieces along a line through the pipe center — cut a semicircle from each piece, then install both pieces with the pipe passing through the combined hole.

Step 3: Smooth and fit.
Smooth the hole edge with a rubbing stone. Test the fit around the pipe before installing.

Hiding the Gap: Use an Escutcheon Plate

Always leave a gap of at least 5–10mm between the tile and the pipe. This gap is covered by a pipe escutcheon (cover plate) that slides over the pipe and sits flat against the tile. Escutcheons are available in sizes to fit all standard pipe diameters and in finishes to match your fixtures.

Fill the gap between the tile and pipe with silicone caulk before fitting the escutcheon — this prevents moisture from getting behind the tile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best tool for cutting tile around pipes?
For notches at tile edges, tile nippers or an oscillating multi-tool give the most control. For holes in the center of tiles, an angle grinder with relief cuts is the most practical approach.

How much clearance should I leave around a pipe?
Leave at least 5–10mm clearance between the tile and the pipe. This allows for pipe movement, thermal expansion, and caulking. The escutcheon plate will cover the gap.

Can I cut tile around a pipe without removing the pipe?
Yes — you don't need to remove the pipe. Cut the tile to fit around the pipe in place, leaving adequate clearance, and cover the gap with an escutcheon plate.

What if the pipe is exactly where two tiles meet?
Plan your layout so pipes fall on grout lines where possible. If a pipe falls on a grout line, cut a semicircle from each of the two adjacent tiles — this is much easier than cutting a full hole in one tile.