A Plumber Tore a Hole in My Wall—What Now?

Electrical and plumbing services are often hidden behind drywall or plaster. So what happens after an electrician or plumber cuts a hole in your wall to access those services? Who is responsible for repairing the hole?

Responsibility for repair

The homeowner, not the plumber or electrician, is responsible for repairing the hole in the wall.

Plumbers and electricians both have their own skills, but wall repair is a different trade and a separate project.

Plumbers and electricians will cut a rough hole in drywall to access pipes or electrical wiring. They will generally try to keep the hole as small as possible and keep the edges as even as possible.

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Who to call to fix the leak

Repairing the hole and matching the patch to the rest of the wall is a multi-step process that requires multiple visits. You can have a professional drywall repairer or painter repair the hole, or you can do it yourself.

• Plasterboard patching service: Drywall patching services are the best option for fixing holes because they specialize in the type of holes that plumbers and electricians cut. They can also apply wall textures like orange peel.
• Home repair services:In-home repair or patching services are another option for drywall repair if your area does not have a drywall patching service provider.
• Paint company:Many painting companies will repair small areas of drywall. One advantage of hiring a painter is that they can also paint the patch.
• Do it yourself:You can patch a large hole in drywall yourself for about $50. Home centers sell 2-by-2-foot sections of drywall specifically for this type of patch.
• Drywall Contractor: Full service drywall contractor installs and replaces drywall for new construction and renovation projects. Hire this contractor to replace large sections of drywall for rooms or entire homes.

How to Find a Drywall Repair Expert

Ask friends and neighbors for referrals. Local online review sites often have directories for drywall repair companies, and some contractor referral sites also have a reputable review section.

Depending on the type and size of the hole, you may be able to hire someone to fix it or fix it yourself. If you find mold in your walls, wet insulation, or hazards like lead-based paint or asbestos, you may need to hire a professional.

What is involved in the repair?

While small holes in drywall can be repaired with just tape and joint compound, plumbing and electrical repairs open up larger sections of wall. Repairing a large hole in drywall requires additional drywall, wood, primer, and paint.

1. Replace insulation if this is an exterior wall.
2. Cut the hole a few inches and make a square.
3. Install wood backing strips to support the drywall patch.
4. Cut and install a piece of drywall to fit the new hole.
5. Apply paper or mesh tape mixed with sealant.
6. Apply more sealant to the tape.
7. Sand the glue mixture smooth and paint.

How to get an accurate quote

Provide your drywall repair professional with as much information as possible to ensure you receive an accurate quote.

• Tell them why the hole was created.
• Indicates the number of holes that need to be repaired.
• Let them know if the wall has a smooth or textured surface.
• Take several pictures of the hole with a tape measure along the hole.
• Tell them the location, such as on the ceiling, basement wall, or interior or exterior wall.

Questions to ask a repair professional

When talking to a drywall repair professional, be sure to ask a few questions to make sure they are the right fit for the job.

• What is the total estimated cost for repairs?
• Will the estimate change? If so, by how much?
• Do you have a license and bond?
• Will you do the work yourself or hire subcontractors?
• How long will the project take?
• How many callbacks will the project require?
• Can you paint the patch?
• Do I need to provide any materials?
• When can you start?

How to prepare for hole repair

Preparing the work area before the repairman arrives can help make repairs go faster and produce better results.

Remove materials damaged by the plumber or electrician, including drywall, insulation, screws, and nails. Avoid cutting holes, although it is possible to cut away drywall that is clearly damaged and unusable.