Drywall is a common building material in homes. It’s used in walls and ceilings and helps make rooms look clean and smooth. But when water gets into your house, it can hurt your drywall. This is called drywall water damage, and it can lead to bigger problems like mold, mildew, bad smells, and even falling ceilings.
Let’s break down what drywall water damage is, what causes it, how to fix it, and how to stop it from happening again.
Eric Allison is a seasoned professional in property restoration, serving as the primary contact and founder of Preferred Restoration Services, LLC, based in Tustin, California. With a career spanning over two decades, Eric has developed extensive expertise in addressing fire, water, and mold damage, ensuring properties are restored to their pre-loss condition.
Drywall is made from gypsum covered with paper. When it gets wet, it can soak up water like a sponge. Over time, this makes the drywall soft, weak, and discolored. You might see a brown stain, bubbles, or even mold growth.
If the drywall is in your ceiling, you might notice ceiling water damage first. The drywall can sag or break apart if too much water sits on it.
Many things can cause water on drywall:
A leak from the roof or chimney after rain
Broken plumbing or pipe bursts
A dripping sink, shower, or toilet in a bathroom
Sewage or flood water in the basement
A broken washing machine or dishwasher in the kitchen
Leaky attic with poor drainage or insulation
Bad waterproofing in wet areas
A condensation problem in high humidity areas
Sometimes water comes fast, like in a flood, and sometimes it sneaks in slowly, like from a small roof leak. Either way, it damages your drywall and can hurt your whole home.
Here’s what to look for:
Brown or yellow stains on your ceiling or wall
Soft or sagging spots
Peeling paint or bubbling texture
Musty odor (smells like wet socks!)
Crumbling drywall or exposed joint compound
Black or green mold on the surface
Cracks or holes
Wet carpet, furniture, or nearby wood
If you have a moisture meter, you can test the wall or ceiling to see how much water is inside. If it’s high, the drywall is still wet.
Wet drywall is more than just ugly. It can be unsafe:
Mold growth can make you sick.
Wet drywall can fall from the ceiling.
Bugs and bacteria love damp spaces.
Wet walls can damage nearby furniture, floor, or joist.
Water can spread to insulation, ducts, or even cause asbestos issues in older homes.
It can cause electrical risks behind the wall.
Before fixing the wall, stop the water leak. It could be from the roof, a broken pipe, or poor drainage. Drying without stopping the leak won’t help.
Use a dehumidifier, fans, or open windows to remove moisture. This helps stop mold from growing.
Use a utility knife to cut away the soft or moldy parts. Be careful not to cut wires or pipes. If the ceiling is sagging, remove the wet sheetrock ceiling safely.
Look for black, green, or smelly spots. Use bleach or mold cleaner if the damage is small. For big mold problems, search for “mold and drywall repair near me.”
Patch the hole with new drywall or foam board. Use screws to attach it to the joist or studs. Cover seams with joint compound and tape, then sand it smooth.
Use a primer before painting so stains don’t show through. Then paint to match your wall or ceiling.
If you have:
A big leak
A flood or sewage issue
Smelly mold
Wet drywall in many rooms
Wet insulation, ducts, or asbestos
Insurance questions
Call a water damage restoration company. They offer emergency services and fix things fast. You can also check your insurance to see if it covers “drywall damaged by water” or “water damage fire.”
Search for local pros using your zip code and phrases like “drywall mold repair” or “wet sheetrock repair.”
Check your roof and chimney for leaks after rain.
Fix any dripping sink, toilet, or shower fast.
Use a dehumidifier in basements and attics.
Check your plumbing for condensation or cracks.
Keep furniture and carpet dry.
Seal walls in bathrooms and kitchens with caulk.
Use waterproofing paint in wet areas.
Clean your gutters and improve drainage outside.
Home insurance may help if:
A sudden pipe breaks
A roof leak causes damage after a storm
A flood or sewage backup ruins the drywall
But it may not cover slow leaks or mold from poor upkeep. Always take photos of the damage and write down what happened. Call your insurance company quickly.
Drywall or sheetrock
Joint compound
Fiberglass tape
Caulk
Utility knife
Screw and drill
Primer and paint
Dehumidifier
Moisture meter
Dust mask and gloves
Using the right tools helps keep you safe and makes the repair last longer.
Yes, if it’s a small area and there’s no mold. You’ll need to cut out the damaged drywall, dry the area, and patch it.
If it’s soft, smells bad, or has mold, it’s best to remove it. A moisture meter can also tell if it’s still wet.
Maybe. Insurance often covers sudden leaks, but not old problems. Take photos and call your provider.
Yes. Mold can cause breathing problems. Always clean it safely or call a pro for big areas.
It depends on the moisture level, but using fans and a dehumidifier can speed it up. Most drywall takes 24–72 hours to dry.
Drywall water damage is common but fixable. Whether the problem is from a leak, flood, or bathroom mishap, the most important steps are drying it out, removing the damaged parts, and stopping future water problems.
If you’re not sure where to start or need fast help, contact a local water damage restoration team. They’ll help protect your home, your furniture, and your family’s health.
Visit your nearby local emergency responder or contact us today for more information.
2650 Walnut Ave. Ste. Y
Tustin, CA 92780
