Plasterboard bubbling near shower

[JohnBarleycorn]

Hi All,

The plasterboard near our shower is "bubbling up", with the plaster coming away from the board underneath. It's bowing out so as it stretches the plaster is cracking, as shown in the photo below:

http://images21.fotki.com/v577/fileqVNu/2ef6f/1/1113638/4711453/DSCF0011resized.jpg



Does anyone know what this is likely to be? A leaking pipe behind the plasterboard, or possibly the hot water pipe to the shower (it's not electric). I'd be interested to know if anyone has come across such a thing before.

Thanks,
JB.

[Agile]

Its a little dificult for me to comment as you have not explained exactly where this PB is in relation to the shower!

All I can say is it could well be getting wet.

A damp meter would confirm this!

Tony

[JohnBarleycorn]

Hi Tony,

It's right next to the shower, but about 2 feet up. I've been told it could be that our stone tiles in the shower haven't been lacquered. The stones are porous and the water is getting through and seeping into the plasterboard. Seems a shame to lacquer them as it has a very nice finish now.

JB.

[wonderb0y]

As agile said do a damp test, you should be able to feel if it's wet with your finger, or get a proper tester

If it's the hot pipe thats touching the board then you will will have to channel out the board where the pipes run and insulate them, insulate them both as the condensation from the cold pipe can also cause moisture which will crack the plaster. then fill in the mess youve just made of the wall