Water damage behind shower tiles is one of the most common problems in the bathroom. Loose tiles or dried and cracked caulk can allow water to leak between your bathtub and the shower tile. This allows water to get behind the tile and soak into the wall. Over time, these water leaks can ruin the wall or even cause mold. From drying the wall to replacing the shower tile, we look at how to repair water damage behind shower walls. Plus, we even cover how to fix a leaking shower without removing the tiles.
How Does Water Get Behind Tiles?
Water gets behind shower tiles because of dried-out caulk. However, water can also seep into the shower wall if there are missing tiles or grout. Although rare, water pipes also leak inside the wall.
If water seeps behind the wall can destroy the drywall, cause the tile to fall, and lead to mold. In some cases, water can even leak down and damage the ceiling on the floor below.
How Do I Stop My Shower Tile From Leaking?
The easiest way to stop your shower tile from leaking is to replace the missing caulk or grout. However, you need to repair the wall before reapplying caulk if the water is leaking into the ceiling below. The steps below outline the entire repair process.
How to Fix Water Damage Behind Shower Tiles
The best way to prevent black mold and avoid costly repairs is to fix the damage as soon as you see it. If you have water-damaged shower walls, follow these steps to repair your bathroom. From drying the wall to replacing shower tiles and water-damaged drywall, we cover everything you need to know about bathroom wall repair.
Steps to Repair Water Damage Behind Shower Tiles
- Cut out the Caulk – Start by using a utility knife to cut out the caulk, being careful not to scratch your bathtub or tile. You can also scrub away caulk with rubbing alcohol.
- Remove the Tiles – Then remove the shower tiles using a putty knife. Depending on the amount of damage, you might even be able to remove them by hand.
- Clean the Tiles – Next, soak the tiles in warm water and soap to remove caulk and adhesive. Even after soaking, you may still need to scrub them clean. Then set them aside to dry.
- Cut Away Damaged Drywall – Cut away the damaged cement board using a drywall saw. Make a straight cut two inches above the damage.
- Dry the Wall – Use a fan to completely dry the wall and wall studs. For the fastest drying time, use a high-volume fan. It will dry a shower wall in 12 to 24 hours.
- Cut and Install New Drywall – Use moisture-resistant greenboard or cement board to repair your shower wall. Cut a piece just smaller than the opening and then screw it to the wall studs.
- Tape and Mud the Wall Joint – Use self-adhesive tape and drywall mud to seal the gap. Spread the mud with a drywall knife and let it dry overnight before sanding to form smooth seams.
- Reinstall the Tile – Apply an even layer of thin-set to the wall using a notched trowel, then press the tiles into the wall. Let the thin-set cure before proceeding.
- Grout the Tile – Use new grout that matches the existing tile. Do not apply grout between the bottom row of tiles and the bathtub or shower floor. Allow the grout to dry before moving on.
- Calk the Shower – Finally, apply a bead of 100% silicone caulk between the tiles and the bathtub.
How Do You Fix a Leaking Shower Without Removing Tiles?
While removing the tile is the best way to repair the damage, you can fix a leaking shower without removing the tiles. Start by cutting away the old caulk using a putty or utility knife. Work carefully not to damage the tub or shower tile with the blade.
After removing the caulk, scrub the tile and bathtub with soap and warm water. Then use a fan to dry the area. Allow the fan to run for one to two days to completely dry the wall. Once the wall is dry, apply a new layer of silicone caulk to seal the tile to the tub.
While this won’t fix a shower leak, it will keep water from seeping behind the wall if the water source is your shower head. However, this can cause more damage when the leaks are behind the wall.
Keep an eye out for water stains or rings that regularly rot around the bathroom floor. They are warning signs of plumbing leaks behind walls that can damage the structural integrity of your bathroom.
Have water damage in your bathroom? Call 1-888-443-3110 now for a risk-free quote on water damage cleanup services.
