Bulge/Crack in wall

We have a bulge/crack in a wall going up stairs that I'm pretty sure was caused by a water leak in a bathroom.  Can anyone recommend someone to look at it for repair? While I can ask a plumber for the plumbing issue, I suspect they can't help us with opening the wall and repairing.  Our usual contractor who I think is on to bigger things, hasn't responded.


A bulge in the wall is likely the water leak.  You MUST fix the plumbing issue first, otherwise repairs are a waste of time & money.

I do this type of repairs, which typically require 3-4 visits as spackle needs time to dry between applications & before sanding/painting.  I am tied up in an orchid show this week, but have time available next week.  If you would like a visit for an estimate, I have some time available this afternoon.  Sending you my phone # in a PM.


Does it look wet?  Is there a bathroom above?  It could just be plaster detaching from lath, that happens in a lot of these old homes.


tomcat, I've got some crack, too.  I'll PM you.



Red_Barchetta said:

Does it look wet?  Is there a bathroom above?  It could just be plaster detaching from lath, that happens in a lot of these old homes.

But repair process is the same, requiring multiple visits.  Just did one, that was a bit of both.



Klinker said:

Stranger things?

No. That would be a bulge, followed by a massive hole in the wall.


tomcat, do you repair plaster?


I didn’t think a plumber would be required but what do I know.

tomcat said:



Red_Barchetta said:

Does it look wet?  Is there a bathroom above?  It could just be plaster detaching from lath, that happens in a lot of these old homes.

But repair process is the same, requiring multiple visits.  Just did one, that was a bit of both.



certified flamethrower.

Formerlyjerseyjack said:



Klinker said:

Stranger things?

No. That would be a bulge, followed by a massive hole in the wall.



mtam:

Unless you see a bit of discoloration in the wall it is entirely possible that it is indeed "only' plaster letting loose from the lathing. This is quite common around here from walls and especially in ceilings where gravity plays a bigger role. You'll know more after the wall is opened up which frankly you could possibly do yourself.

My neighbor had a section roughly the circumference of a bathtub slowly let lose from the lathe above the lower half-wall of tile in the kitchen. It looked like it was soon going to fall. If looked at in profile, it protruded almost 2 inches at the center and had nothing to do with water since there where no pipes of any kind in the area and it was an interior wall.

It was just tired.

I fixed it for her. The demo is the most work but not rocket science. Hammer, flat bar, dust mask and plenty of black plastic construction bags as old plaster hunks get heavy in a hurry. Fortunately it was able to be repaired/replaced with one big clean piece of drywall. In other instances you end up chasing the offending section as it can all begin to let loose in a wider and wider area once you get started and you need a nice straight clean line down the studs to match the drywall to.    

Sounds like "Tomcat" can help you.



kthnry said:

tomcat, do you repair plaster?

I repair/patch with drywall.  I do not replace with plaster. 


Thanks everyone.  I only just got to these replies.  I think it's related to an earlier leak in a bathroom though there is no discoloration--it's on the stairs leading up to the second floor but on the other side is the bathroom and we did have a problem with the sink.  Could also be a settling as it's between the two floors.  



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