The wallboard surrounding a shower head water pipe is under constant pressure. Movement of water in the pipe causes the pipe to vibrate, damaging the fragile edges of the hole in the wallboard. Also, people often adjust the shower head manually, further damaging the wallboard. To repair this, you need to fill the area with joint compound and paper drywall tape. If you are in a hurry, use quick-setting joint compound. This product comes in different forms, each with different setting times. The fastest setting time available is five minutes; the longest is 90 minutes.
Instructions
1. Pull away from the wall the disc that surrounds the shower head pipe. This is the metal or plastic doughnut-like cap that hides the area of wallboard where the water pipe exits the wallboard. Pull the disc as far back as you can so you have room to work.
2. Use a utility knife to score a circle around the damaged area. Press firmly enough to break through the paper surface of the wallboard. Work slowly to avoid damaging or scratching the shower head or pipe.
3. Use the edge of a 6-inch drywall knife to pry away the scored area, then brush away any loose material that remains. The goal is to create a stable surface to which the joint compound can adhere.
4. Mix the joint compound according to the manufacturer's recommendations. If you are using quick-setting joint compound, slowly add the powder to a bucket of water while you mix it thoroughly. If you are using ready-mixed joint compound, you do not have to prepare the mixture, but it will take about 24 hours to dry.
5. Fill the damaged area with joint compound. Use a 6-inch drywall knife to press the joint compound deep into the damaged area. Completely fill the area around the shower head.
6. Apply paper drywall tape over the joint compound. If the joint compound is oozing out, press the tape deep into the damaged area so that it holds in the compound. Wipe the tapes with a 6-inch knife so that they are smooth and flush with the surface of the wallboard. Allow the joint compound to dry for the appropriate amount of time (the packaging will indicate how long this is).
7. Make a new batch of joint compound, if you are using the quick-setting type.
8. Use your 6-inch drywall knife to add a thick coat of joint compound over the repair area. Apply the coat around the circumference of the shower head pipe so that there is no visible gap between the wallboard and the pipe. Allow the joint compound to dry.
9. Sand the area with 150-grit sandpaper until it is smooth. Don't sand too heavily. If you uncover the paper drywall tape during the sandpaper process, you will have to recoat the area with joint compound. When you have finished sanding, the area is ready for primer and paint.
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