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Leak - New Build

  • 20-01-2025 02:40PM
    #1
    derry1993
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39 ✭


    There is a leak in our new build from a shower upstairs which is now showing up in the ceiling downstairs.

    From my experience the builder enjoys shortcuts.

    With regards fixing this, they suggested they need to now cut through the ceiling.

    How should this be finished after to prevent the join showing, I've been told by someone no matter what they do the paint will craic and you will see the join.

    Any other suggestions greatly appreciated.

    IMG_20250118_182206.jpg


Comments

  • #2
    youtheman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,357 ✭✭✭youtheman


    If they suggest cutting through the ceiling then I presume they think it is a leak in the drain pipework somewhere. A cut might be unavoidable, but you would expect a 100% fix and the lesser of two evils. Do you know did they 'tank' the shower, i.e. put a water proof membrane on the floor and side walls in case the tiles or trim starts to leak. This is the 'nightmare scenario'!.



  • #3
    derry1993
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39 ✭derry1993


    Yea it's likely a leak from the waste pipe. What's the best way for them to leave this ceiling?



  • #4
    awec
    Administrators Posts: 55,019 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭awec


    Whoever told you the paint will crack and you will see the joint doesn't know what they are talking about.

    Plaster ceilings and walls are repaired all the time, they use the same technique they use when taping and jointing slabs.

    They will cut a hole, then if they fix it properly it will be invisible. The plumber will likely cut the hole and fix the leak, then they'll bring in someone else to repair the hole. Repairing the hole will take a few days as they will need to wait for compound to set etc before sanding back or applying a second layer.

    For what it's worth the exact same thing happened to us. I am guessing your shower tray is the low profile type which means no access to the drain from the floor above, so they cut up from below and fix it. Our repair is completely invisible, you wouldn't find it if you inspected the ceiling with a magnifying glass.



  • #5
    GreeBo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,474 ✭✭✭✭GreeBo


    As long as they repair the ceiling properly, it wont be any more likely to crack than any other joint.

    They should cut out a section between 1 or more joists to ensure they have something to fix the new plasterboard to. Really then should also use blocking to support the joints that do not finish on a joist/timber. After that its just tape and skim as normal.

    Since the house is new you shouldnt see the newly painted section meets the old, but you might ask/demand that they paint the entire ceiling to make sure.



  • #6
    awec
    Administrators Posts: 55,019 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭awec


    They'll need to repaint that wall too.

    Use Zinsser Bin on the stained area before painting to prevent the stain coming through. For an area that small I'd buy the spray version but make sure you are careful using it and cover anything close that may get covered in it, the particles will get everywhere.



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  • #7
    geographica
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,043 ✭✭✭geographica


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123078086#Comment_123078086

    Most common complaint is from the trays where they meet the walls/shower unit not being sealed correctly


    you should insist the sealants are all checked



  • #8
    derry1993
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39 ✭derry1993


    Thanks again everyone, the waste pipe was loose. And the developer has gone through the ceiling. The finish looks good to be fair to them, time will tell



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