The short answer
Common Causes of Bubbles
Bathrooms generate a lot of moisture. Hot showers create steam that can penetrate seams and edges, especially if the wallpaper was not sealed properly. Over time, the adhesive weakens and the paper lifts away from the drywall, forming bubbles.
Splashes from the sink or tub can also soak the lower sections of the wall. A less obvious cause is a slow leak inside the wall, such as from a pipe or the shower valve. This moisture travels behind the paper and causes widespread bubbling that may appear far from the actual leak.
- Check for peeling seams near the tub or sink
- Look for discoloration or soft spots on the drywall
- Feel for dampness on the wallpaper surface
- Inspect the ceiling for stains that might indicate a leak above
- Run your hand along the wall to find cool or wet areas
How to Find the Water Source
Before you patch the bubbles, you need to know where the water is coming from. Start with the obvious: wipe down the walls after a shower and see if the bubbles shrink. If they do, the issue is likely steam and surface moisture rather than a hidden leak.
If the bubbles persist or grow, you may have a pipe leak or a problem with the shower enclosure. Turn off the water supply to the bathroom and dry the area completely. If the wallpaper dries and the bubbles flatten, the moisture was coming from inside the wall.
- Dry the wall with a fan and dehumidifier
- Run the shower for five minutes and watch for new moisture
- Check the caulking around the tub and shower for gaps
- Feel the wall behind the toilet for dampness
- Listen for dripping sounds when the water is off
When You Need Professional Help
If you suspect a leak inside the wall, you need to act fast. Prolonged moisture can damage the drywall and create conditions for mold. A local water damage pro can use moisture meters to map the extent of the problem and find the exact source.
The pros can also handle structural drying if the wall has been wet for a while. This involves using dehumidifiers and air movers to pull moisture out of the drywall and framing. You may need to remove the wallpaper first so the drying process can work effectively.
- Persistent dampness after drying efforts
- Bubbles that grow or spread over days
- Musty odor coming from the wall
- Visible mold spots on the paper or drywall
- Soft or sagging drywall when you press on it
Steps to Fix Minor Bubbles
For surface moisture, you can often fix small bubbles yourself. Use a sharp utility knife to make a small slit in the bubble, then gently press out any trapped water with a clean cloth. Apply a thin layer of wallpaper adhesive through the slit using a syringe or small brush.
Smooth the paper down with a damp sponge and a wallpaper roller. Wipe away excess adhesive with a clean, damp cloth. Let the area dry completely before you consider repainting or resealing the edges. This works well for small, isolated bubbles that are not caused by a leak.
- Use a clean, sharp blade to avoid tearing the paper
- Press out water gently to avoid spreading the bubble
- Apply adhesive sparingly to avoid bulges
- Roll the paper flat from the center outward
- Wipe off excess adhesive before it dries
- Let the wall dry for at least 24 hours
When to Replace the Wallpaper
If the bubbles are large, the paper is torn, or the adhesive is completely gone, patching may not work. In that case, you need to remove the affected section and replace it. This is also true if the drywall underneath is damaged or moldy.
You can remove the damaged wallpaper, treat the wall with a mold-inhibiting primer, and hang new paper. If the drywall is soft, you may need to cut it out and install new drywall first. A water damage pro can assess the drywall and help you decide whether to repair or replace it.
- Large bubbles that cover more than a hand's width
- Paper that tears when you touch it
- Dark stains or mold on the back of the paper
- Drywall that crumbles or feels spongy
- Bubbles that reappear after drying and patching
Water damage does not wait
Call (469) 698-4610 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (469) 698-4610Frequently asked questions
Can I just paint over the bubbles?
Painting over bubbles will not fix the problem. The moisture stays trapped under the paint, and the bubbles will likely reappear or worsen. You need to address the moisture source and repair the wallpaper or drywall first.
Will the bubbles go away on their own?
Sometimes, if the moisture was only surface-level, the bubbles may flatten once the wall dries out. But the adhesive is often weakened, so they may come back with the next humid shower. It is safer to repair them properly.
How do I know if it is a leak or just steam?
Dry the wall completely with a fan and dehumidifier. If the bubbles flatten and stay flat for a few days, the cause was likely steam. If they return after you use the shower again, you may have a leak behind the wall.