How to Fix Water Damaged Drywall | Step-by-Step Repair & Restoration Tips

Drywall is highly susceptible to water damage. Leaks or even prolonged exposure to high humidity can leave unsightly stains and compromise the drywall’s structural integrity. In fact, water damage is one of the most common causes of damaged drywall. Fortunately, repairing a wall can be quite simple. Just remember that you’ll need to solve the underlying water problem as well!  

How to Identify Water-Damaged Drywall Early

A water-damaged wall or ceiling is often the first indication that you have a hidden leak somewhere. Watch out for these early signs of water damage:

• Bubbling paint or wallpaper. If the paint or wallpaper on your wall begins to take on a blistered appearance, it’s likely the underlying drywall is becoming saturated by water.
• Staining or discoloration. An obvious sign of water damage is a blotchy stain that will usually be yellowish or brown in color. If you catch the leak early enough, the stain may appear just as a darker shade of the color of your wall or ceiling.
• Moisture. A persistent leak may cause water to percolate through the drywall, resulting in beading moisture that you can see on the wall’s surface. Water may also drip down the inside of the wall and pool near the floor or baseboards.

As damage to the wall progresses, the drywall may begin to warp or sag. In severe cases, mold may proliferate across and inside the wall as well.

Causes of Water Damage in Walls and Ceilings

Water damage to walls and ceilings is typically considered consequential damage, or damage that results from some primary problem, such as a plumbing or roof leak. Here are the most common root causes of water damage in the home:

• Leaky, corroded, or burst in-wall pipes
• Loose plumbing connections or faulty seals
• Damaged or incorrectly installed plumbing fixtures, such as toilets and bathtubs
• Leaks due to damage to the roof or siding
• Storm damage or flooding
• Consistently high humidity
• Condensation on windows or appliances
• Leaky appliances, such as air conditioners, dishwashers, and washing machines

While you might get unlucky with a bad storm or flood, most of these problems tend to be avoidable with some preventive maintenance and appropriate service inspections. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Water-Damaged Drywall

You don’t need to be a home improvement expert to know how to repair drywall damaged by water. Simply follow the step-by-step guide below. Remember to wear protective equipment, such as safety goggles and a face mask, to shield you from any drywall dust, insulation, mold, or other irritants. 

1. Stop the leak. Before you attempt to fix the wall, make sure the primary water problem is resolved.
2. Cut away the damaged material. Start fixing water-damaged drywall by removing the affected section of the wall. Use a utility knife or drywall saw to cut the damaged portion away. It’s easiest to cut a simple square or rectangle, and make your cut about 2 inches beyond the border of the damage to ensure you remove all the damaged material.
3. Thoroughly dry the area. Before moving ahead with the patch, make sure the area inside the wall and out is bone dry. Sop up any visible moisture with towels or rags. Set up fans to facilitate evaporation, and run a dehumidifier to bring down the moisture levels. You may need to cut holes elsewhere to really get the airflow you need within the wall.
4. Measure and cut a patch. On a fresh sheet of drywall, measure or trace a patch to fit into the wall.
5. Install the patch. Fit the patch into the opening. It should be a close fit, but you shouldn’t have to force it. If one of the wall’s studs is visible, screw the patch into the stud with drywall screws. If the hole is between studs, you can use a piece of scrap wood instead. Grab a piece of wood that is longer than the length of the opening in the wall, slip it into the wall behind the drywall, then secure it from the outside using drywall screws on each end. You now have a support onto which you can secure your drywall patch.
6. Mud and tape the seams. Apply a thin layer of joint compound along the seam around the drywall patch, then cover with drywall tape. Cover again with joint compound and allow to dry for 24 hours. For best results, you can apply two more coats of compound. Sand down the excess with fine grit sandpaper when completely dry.
7. Apply primer and paint. With the wall patched and dry, you can now repaint. Plan on one coat of primer and two coats of paint for a clean finish. 

When to Call a Professional for Severe Damage

Drywall repair can be a simple DIY job, but there are some circumstances in which you’ll want to call a pro who knows how to repair drywall after water damage. Ask for help if you run into these issues:

• Severe mold
• Structural damage or wood rot
• Electrical damage
• Toxic or contaminated materials, such as asbestos or sewage
• Leaks that persist even after repair
• Hidden leaks or moisture problems you can’t explain

Tips to Prevent Future Water Damage in Your Home

Water damage doesn’t have to be an inevitability. There are some routine tasks you can perform to keep problems at bay.

• Regularly monitor your exposed plumbing and fixtures for signs of leaks, loose connections, or worn seals.
• Maintain and service your washer, dishwasher, air conditioners, and other appliances that use water or collect condensation.
• Keep your home ventilated and use dehumidifiers to keep humidity levels in check, particularly in the basement.
• Keep your gutters clear.
• Periodically check your roof for loose shingles or other signs of damage.
• Weatherproof your windows to minimize condensation.

If you’re buying a home, be sure to arrange for an inspection to help you identify any water damage. Wall discoloration, mold, corrosion, and other problems should be documented on the inspection report.