How to Repair Water-Damaged Drywall After a Leak

So you’ve had a leak. Maybe it was a busted pipe, a roof issue, or a toilet that overflowed. Now you’re staring at a soggy, stained section of drywall wondering what to do next. Here’s the honest truth—if water has touched your drywall, you’ve got to act fast. Left alone, it can grow mold or weaken the structure behind your walls. Let’s walk through how we handle this professionally, and what you need to know as a homeowner.

Step 1: Stop the Water and Find the Source

Before anything else, you’ve got to make sure the leak is fixed. Otherwise, any repairs you do will just get ruined again.

• Shut off water to the affected area

• Check plumbing, roofing, or appliance connections

• Don’t just dry and patch—find the cause

Step 2: Assess the Damage

Not all water damage is visible right away. We always check:

• Drywall for softness or bubbling

• Insulation behind the wall (it soaks up water like a sponge)

• Ceilings for sagging or discoloration

• Nearby baseboards or trim for swelling

If drywall is soft to the touch or crumbles, it’s gotta go. Even if it looks dry, moisture meters tell us if there’s still water trapped inside.

Step 3: Remove Damaged Drywall

Here’s where most DIY jobs go wrong—people try to save damaged drywall. But once it’s compromised, mold can take hold in 24–48 hours. We follow IICRC S500 standards:

• Cut out at least 12 inches past the visible damage

• Remove insulation if wet

• Bag everything in sealed plastic for safe disposal

And no, you can't just paint over it. That traps moisture and guarantees mold.

Step 4: Dry the Area Completely

We bring in commercial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers to pull moisture from framing, subflooring, and wall cavities. This step takes time, but it’s essential. We don’t rebuild until the moisture readings are within safe range.

Step 5: Rebuild the Wall

Once everything’s dry:

• We install new drywall (matching the thickness and type)

• Tape, mud, and sand the seams smooth

• Prime with mold-resistant primer

• Paint to match the surrounding walls

If the damage was near the ceiling, we make sure the texture blends too. No one should be able to tell there was ever an issue.

What About Mold?

If it’s been more than 48 hours since the leak and the drywall was soaked, mold testing may be necessary. We follow IICRC S520 guidelinesfor mold remediation when that’s the case. Don’t wait—if you see or smell mold, it’s already a bigger problem than it looks.

FAQs

Can I just dry the drywall with a fan?
Not really. Drywall soaks water into the inside. If you don’t remove it, you can’t dry it fully.

How much does it cost to repair water-damaged drywall?
It depends on how much needs replacing and if mold is involved. We offer free inspections and honest quotes.

Do I need a contractor, or can a handyman fix it?
For small patches, maybe. But if framing, insulation, or moisture testing is involved, you want a licensed contractor.

Trust the Pros Who Fix It Like It’s Our Own Home

At Total Home Water Restoration, we’ve seen every kind of leak and drywall mess in the Grove City area—from busted water heaters in Hilliard to ceiling stains in Dublin. We don’t just patch drywall. We restore homes the right way, so the damage doesn’t come back.

Need help now? Call 380-246-1837. We’ll inspect, advise, and get you a clear plan.