Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - How to repair drywall getting wet behind shower head
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jods3598
12-09-07, 03:39 PM
We have a full shower enclosure, yet the shower head is just above the enclosure on the drywall. My husband is very tall and the water is hitting his head then getting the wall wet directly behind the shower head. Two questions:
1) What is the best way to repair the damp portion behind the shower head (paint is starting to peel). I am inclined to cut it out and patch as I do not want mold issues to arise.
2) To prevent this issue in the future, is there any type of tile or other material that can be placed above the shower enclosure? We are not in a position currently to completely tear out the enclosure and tile the full wall.
Any suggestions you have are greatly appreciated. Thanks.
1) What is the best way to repair the damp portion behind the shower head (paint is starting to peel). I am inclined to cut it out and patch as I do not want mold issues to arise.
2) To prevent this issue in the future, is there any type of tile or other material that can be placed above the shower enclosure? We are not in a position currently to completely tear out the enclosure and tile the full wall.
Any suggestions you have are greatly appreciated. Thanks.
cwbuff
12-09-07, 03:48 PM
More than likely what is happening is that moisture is getting to the exposed sheetrock where the nipple for the shower head penetrates the drywall. If you cut out the damaged drywall and replace it the problem will likely recur.
It's a good idea to caulk around the nipple and then install the escutcheon and then caulk around the escutcheon where it butts against the drywall.
It's a good idea to caulk around the nipple and then install the escutcheon and then caulk around the escutcheon where it butts against the drywall.
cloown
12-13-07, 08:05 AM
If the water damage is from water splashing off hubby's tall body you could put a waterproof shield onto the wall. One way (about $25) is the painted metal shield they make for stoves. It is a baked enamel on metal that is easy to cut so you would need to cut a hole for the shower head (I would of course take head and cover plate off, glue this to the wall and then a little caulk to seal things up). Not a permanent fix, but should buy you more than a couple of years.
One other thought- if you have a small leak where the shower head connects to the pipe you could get a small mist of water that would do this as well, tape some paper towels in the area and run the shower to see, if so check for a rubber washer inside the shower head that may be damaged and/or new teflon tape should solve this issue.
Good luck!
One other thought- if you have a small leak where the shower head connects to the pipe you could get a small mist of water that would do this as well, tape some paper towels in the area and run the shower to see, if so check for a rubber washer inside the shower head that may be damaged and/or new teflon tape should solve this issue.
Good luck!