Marble window sill in the bathroom - how to remove?

Hello,
I want to install a new radiator in the bathroom. The current one is installed under a cornice:







The new radiator would be taller than the old one, so the cornice must go. I also have to completely retile the bathroom, but initially I only want to replace the radiator. How can I remove the marble slab and the supports underneath? Both seem to be built into the wall. What kind of tool do you need for this? Would you angle-grind something like this off?

Thank you very much, Philipp

Hello Philipp,

the marble slab is probably only embedded in plaster, if at all. I would try to remove it first with gentle force. Then cut off the brackets with a grinder or, better, saw them off.

The plate even looks screwed to the bracket. From the brackets, I suspect most likely that they are mounted on the wall as angles for shelves - chiseled in and screwed, under the plaster. I'm afraid you can only do the operation in connection with retiling. You won't be able to grind it flush. Without practice (especially in something like this), you might as well call the emergency ambulance as soon as you start. Whether the risk of injury comes from what's left standing or from you trying to grind it away even cleaner doesn't make much difference. Better wait until you get under the tiles, and then unscrew it relaxed.

Thanks Knallkörper and ant for the answers!

The plate even looks like it is screwed to the bracket.

Holes are provided for the screws, but there are no screws in them.

Of the brackets, I most suspect that they are installed as angle brackets like for shelves on the wall – doweled and screwed, under the plaster. I'm afraid you can only do this operation in connection with retiling. You won't be able to get it flush cut. Without practice (especially in something like this) you might as well order the emergency ambulance to stand by right from the start.

Thanks, such hints are very valuable.

In a few weeks a new heating system will be installed in the house and a hydraulic balancing will be done on all radiators. That’s why I wanted to quickly change the radiator beforehand and then lay tiles in autumn/winter. Maybe that is the wrong order...

So should I first knock off the tiles from the wall, then try to remove the brackets from the wall in one piece, then mount the holders for the new radiator, then re-plaster, and then re-tile?

Best regards

I would try to feel out Mottek first. The plate seems only set in place and if the "Unterbau" isn't screwed in anyway and the surrounding area is being renewed ...

That's why I wanted to quickly change the radiator first, and then lay tiles in autumn/winter. Maybe that's the wrong order...

I also think that the order is wrong.

So should I first chip the tiles off the wall, then try to get the brackets off the wall in one piece,

In the pictures, it is hard to judge from the perspective whether the brackets are sitting in the joints. Then they might also have a rod shape and be cemented in. If they are angles as I suspect, there would be quite a bit more breakage than you could imagine before they come loose.

In any case, when tiling, either the old or new radiator will have to be removed; even gynecologists and piano virtuosos cannot tile behind a hanging radiator.

I would feel things out a bit with a hammer.

If the panel is only glued, it is glued firmly. I wouldn’t want to destroy it, and "feeling" with the hammer requires skill. Possibly with the help of a chisel at the front tip of the bracket.

Maybe ask someone who installs such things. They might also be able to show you the state before installation and/or tell you how it was mounted.