I'm dealing with a leak in my shower and need some advice. I plan to remove the tile and get through the cement board to find the source of the leak. Can I just cut out small sections around the pipe to pinpoint the issue, or do I have to go through the hassle of replacing the entire wall? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
Definitely try to go in from the other side if possible. Cutting through plaster is a hassle, but it could save you from making a mess in the shower. If you end up having to go through the shower wall, be prepared for tiles to possibly chip or break during removal—it’s a risk you’ll have to manage. Anyway, keep in mind that a patch job might not visually match perfectly, but fixing that leak is the main priority right now.
It's great that you're tackling this! Ideally, you should check if you have waterproofing between your tile, mortar, and cement board. If your leak is linked to the waterproofing, any disturbance while removing the tile might mess it up. It's tricky because old waterproofing doesn't always hold up after a partial fix. You might want to look for videos from Tile Coach that cover leak diagnosis and repair options. They have solid advice on whether a full redo or a spot fix is the best route.
Have you considered accessing the issue from the other side of the wall? It might seem like a pain, especially with plaster and lath, but it could be easier than cutting into your shower wall. If you do go through the shower, just be mindful that removing the tiles might break a few, and patching could be complicated with matching grout. I'd personally recommend checking the backside first.