Dealing with Mold in Your Drywall? Here’s the Safe Way to Handle It

If you’ve pulled back drywall and seen black or green spots on the paper backing—or worse, spreading through the wall cavity—it’s not just an eyesore. That’s mold. And it means moisture has been trapped long enough to become a serious problem.

At Total Home Water Restoration, we’ve dealt with mold hiding in walls for years across Grove City, Columbus, and surrounding Ohio neighborhoods. Here’s how to handle it safely and avoid even bigger damage.

First—Don’t Just Paint Over It

You might be tempted to cover it up with primer or bleach it clean. Don’t. That won’t stop mold from growing inside the wall. In fact, you’ll trap the problem and likely make it worse. Mold behind drywall needs full removal and proper remediation.

How Mold Gets Into Your Drywall

Drywall is made of gypsum and paper—two materials mold loves. Mold spores will grow quickly when:

• A pipe leaks inside the wall

• A roof or siding leak soaks in

• Humidity builds up with no ventilation

• Floodwater isn’t dried properly

Even a minor water event left unaddressed can lead to a big mold issue behind the wall.

Steps to Safely Remove Moldy Drywall

1. Find the Source

Before removing anything, fix what’s causing the moisture. This could be a leaky pipe, roof damage, or poor ventilation.

2. Seal Off the Area

We use plastic containment and negative air pressure to keep spores from spreading through your home.

3. Remove Damaged Drywall

Any drywall with visible mold or a strong musty odor needs to be cut out—typically at least 12 inches beyond the last visible spot. We follow IICRC S520 standards for mold remediation.

4. Clean and Dry the Cavity

Once drywall is out, we clean studs and insulation (or remove it if it's contaminated). Everything is dried thoroughly using commercial-grade dehumidifiers and air scrubbers.

5. Rebuild Safely

We install new mold-resistant drywall and apply proper coatings and ventilation to prevent future issues.

When to Call a Professional

If mold covers more than 10 square feet, or if it’s inside walls or near HVAC systems, it’s time to bring in a pro. DIY mold cleanup in these situations can cause more harm than good—both to your home and your health.

We’re licensed, IICRC-certified, and local. We handle drywall mold removal right—from the source to the studs.

Real Case from Grove City

A family near Hoover Rd had a slow pipe leak behind their kitchen wall. Mold crept through the drywall and into the cabinet backs. We:

• Found and fixed the copper pipe leak

• Contained the area and removed 2 feet of drywall

• Cleaned and treated studs

• Rebuilt with mold-resistant board

• Installed a vent fan that was missing

They were back in their kitchen within a week—safe and mold-free.

FAQs

How do I know if mold is behind my drywall?

Look for:

• Musty smells

• Warped or soft drywall

• Visible mold stains or spots

• Recent water damage nearby

Can I just cut out a small moldy patch?

Maybe—but only if the source is fixed and it's under 10 square feet. Always wear protection, and never disturb mold if you’re not sure of the extent.

Will homeowners insurance cover mold removal?

Sometimes. If it’s caused by a sudden event like a burst pipe, yes. If it’s from long-term neglect, probably not. We can help you document the damage for your claim.

Need Help with Mold in Your Walls?

If you're facing drywall mold in Grove City, Columbus, or nearby, give us a call. We’ll inspect, remediate, and restore—like it’s our own home.

Tyler Zimmerman
Total Home Water Restoration
📍 4141 Hoover Rd, Grove City, OH 43123
📞 380-246-1837