Shower leak wall repair is more than patching a stain. When water from a leaking shower gets into a wall, it damages the plasterboard and can weaken the timber framing behind it, so the damaged section has to come out.
The shower leak wall repair job
A leaking shower had damaged the wall beside it. I removed the damaged plasterboard and framing, then installed new studs to restore the wall’s structural integrity. With the frame solid again, I fitted new plasterboard, set and sanded the joints smooth, and repainted the wall so it blends in with the rest of the room.
4 warning signs of a shower leak in the wall
- Bubbling or flaking paint on the wall next to or behind the shower.
- Soft or swollen plasterboard that gives a little when you press it.
- Swollen skirting boards or door frames near the bathroom.
- A musty smell or mould spots that keep coming back after cleaning.
If you notice any of these, act early. The longer water sits in a wall, the more of the wall has to be replaced.
Fix the leak first, then the shower leak wall repair
A wall repair only lasts if the leak itself has been fixed. Leaking showers usually come down to failed waterproofing, grout or seals, or plumbing behind the wall. Waterproofing and plumbing are licensed trades in Queensland, so those need a licensed waterproofer or plumber, and the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) can tell you who is licensed for what. Once the leak is fixed, I rebuild the damaged wall properly.
What a proper repair includes
- Cutting out all the damaged plasterboard, not just the visible stain
- Checking the framing and replacing any studs that have softened or rotted
- New plasterboard, with the joints set in layers and sanded flat
- Undercoat and paint, so the repair disappears into the wall
See our gyprock repairs and plaster repairs pages for more.
Frequently asked questions
Can you fix a wall damaged by a shower leak?
Yes. Once the leak itself has been fixed by the right trade, I remove the damaged section, replace framing where needed, then replaster and paint.
Do you do waterproofing?
No. Waterproofing is licensed work in Queensland. If I can see signs it has failed, I will tell you so you can book a licensed waterproofer.
Need something similar?
Call Sue on 0435 207 771, email surve.gc@gmail.com, or send us a quote request with a few photos. We reply within one business day. I’m Dan, a licensed tradesman and former builder with 35+ years in the building industry, and I do every job myself.
