How to fix rising damp on inner wall?

[Richard44]

Having rising damp on the inner wall in the dinning room, the shower is on the other side of that wall.

I have had this rising damp about six years ago. Would apricate any kind of advice how to fix this damp.

I have now put a O ring on the water outlet cover, hope that help.

As I am an retire I cannot get a trade person in, it is beyond my budget.

Please let me know what I can use to sort this out.

Kind regards

Richard44

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Richard44, 

Rising damp and a leak from a shower can look similar, but they have different causes and require different solutions. Rising damp is moisture that travels up through a wall from the ground, typically appearing on the lower portion of the wall, often within the first metre from the floor. It usually spreads evenly along the base, and signs include peeling paint, bubbling plaster, and white salt deposits. In contrast, a leak from a shower is often more localised and tends to show up around the height of plumbing outlets or tile lines. It may worsen after the shower is used and can be due to cracked grout, failed sealant, or leaks behind fittings.

Since your damp patch is on the wall behind the shower, and the issue occurred before, it’s worth considering that it might be a plumbing leak rather than rising damp. You’ve already replaced the O-ring on the shower outlet, which is a good start. To go further, inspect the outlet while the shower is running — if water seeps around it, the connection might still be leaking. Also check the grout between tiles and the silicone along joints. Cracks or missing sealant could allow water to soak through to the wall. Regrouting the tiles and resealing with a mould-resistant bathroom silicone can help prevent future leaks. Once repaired, applying a grout sealer adds extra protection.

If you can add some images of any cracks in or the condition of the grout in the shower enclosure, that might help our members identify leak points.

Here's a helpful guide: How to fix a leaking shower.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Richard44]

Hi Mitchell, thanks for the information it is very much apricated.

It seems that we did not have a O ring in the shower water outlet, the O ring I have used is very fine am not sure if that is the right one to use, every thing else in the shower looks fine.

At about a foot high is ware the paint is has got bubbly in the dinning room wall.

Could you please let me know what type of O ring I should be using a for the shower and what is the best way to fix the damp wall including what to use at Bunnings.

Kind regards

Richard

[EricL]

Hello @Richard44 

Would it be possible for you to post a photo of the O ring that you currently have attached to the water outlet? 

It's also possible that the leak behind your shower wall is due to a leak in your plumbing set. I propose engaging the services of a leak detection specialist and have them look at your wall with a thermal camera. You'll be able to see immediately if there is a leak in your plumbing or if there is a failure in the water proofing of your shower area. 

Due to the hydrostatic pressure pushing out of your wall any paint, cover or sealer will simply get pushed off and peel away. The leak must be addressed first otherwise more damage will occur.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Richard44]

Hi Eric, For many years their was no O ring fitted. I have had this damp problem before, perhaps this might help. I will get some one to check for leaks.

Thanks

Kind regards

Richard