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

Plumbing and electrical services are usually hidden inside drywall or plaster walls. So what happens after an electrician or plumber cuts a hole in your wall to access those services? Who is responsible for fixing the hole?

Responsibility for Repairs

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

Plumbers and electricians are skilled at their own trades, but wall repair is a different trade and a separate project.

Plumbers and electricians will cut a rough opening in the drywall to access the pipes or wires. Generally, they will try to limit the size of the hole and keep the edges as even as possible.

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Who to Call to Fix the Hole

Fixing the hole and blending the patch with the rest of the wall is a multi-step process that requires more than one visit. You can have a drywall or painting professional fix the hole or you can do it yourself.

• Drywall patch service: A drywall patch service is the best choice for fixing holes since it specializes in the type of holes cut by plumbers and electricians. They can also apply wall textures such as orange peel.
• Home repair service: A general home fix-it or repair service is another option for drywall repairs if your area doesn’t have drywall patch service providers.
• Painting company: Many painting companies will fix small sections of drywall. An advantage of hiring a painter is that they’ll be able to paint the patch, too.
• Do it yourself: You can patch a large hole in drywall yourself for about $50. Home centers sell 2-foot by 2-foot sections of drywall specifically for this type of patch.
• Drywall contractor: A full-service drywall contractor installs and replaces drywall on new-construction and remodeling projects. Hire this contractor to replace large sections of drywall for rooms or the entire house.

How to Find a Drywall Repair Pro

Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations. Local online review sites often have a category for drywall repair companies, and some contractor referral sites have dependable review sections as well.

Based on the type and size of the hole, you can hire someone to fix it or do it yourself. If you discover mold in the wall, wet insulation, or hazards like lead-based paint or asbestos, you may need to hire specialized professionals.

What’s Involved With the Repair

While small holes in drywall can be fixed with tape and joint compound alone, plumbing and electrical repairs open up larger wall sections. Fixing a large hole in drywall requires extra drywall, lumber, primer, and paint.

1. Replace insulation if this is an exterior wall.
2. Trim the hole back several inches and square it.
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 with joint compound.
6. Apply more joint compound over the tape.
7. Sand the joint compound smooth and paint.

How to Get an Accurate Quote

Supply the drywall repair pro with as much information as possible to ensure that you get an accurate quote.

• Let them know why the hole was created.
• Indicate how many holes need to be fixed.
• Tell them if the wall has a smooth finish or if it is textured.
• Take multiple photos of the hole with a measuring tape alongside the hole.
• Let them know the location, such as in a ceiling, basement wall, or interior or exterior wall.

Questions to Ask the Repair Pro

When speaking with the drywall repair professional, be sure to ask a few questions to make sure they’re the right fit for the job.

• What is the total estimate for the repair?
• Will the estimate vary? If so, by how much?
• Are you licensed and bonded?
• Will you do the work or hire sub-contractors?
• How long will the project take?
• How many callbacks will the project require?
• Can you also paint the patch?
• Should I supply any materials?
• When can you start?

How to Prepare for the Hole Repair

Preparing the work area before the repair pro arrives can speed up the repair and produce better results.

Remove materials demolished by the plumber or electrician, including drywall, insulation, screws, and nails. Avoid trimming back the hole, though it’s safe to cut away drywall that’s obviously damaged and unusable.