Should I Remove Drywall After a Water Leak?
Asked by CraftyWanderer92
I accidentally broke a pipe inside a wall while trying to disconnect the hose from my washing machine, which led to a major water leak. The neighboring room was completely flooded by the time I managed to turn the water off, and although I soaked up as much water as I could with towels, I'm worried about the moisture inside the wall. While I can't see any visible damage, I know that the drywall, studs, and bottom plate must have gotten pretty wet. Do you think I should cut out the bottom foot or two of drywall to help it dry out?
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Make sure to increase air circulation! Turn on any ceiling fans, open up the windows, and set box fans directed toward the walls. It’ll help speed up the drying process quite a bit!
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Give it some time to dry out; placing a dehumidifier nearby could make a big difference too. You’d be surprised how well drywall can handle being wet without suffering too much!
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It's not as bad as it seems. If the towels soaked up most of the water, the drywall should be fine. You might consider drilling small holes between the studs and using a shop vac in reverse to blow air in for better drying without major demolition! Save the cut-out pieces for patching later.
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I’d definitely recommend cutting out a section of drywall to check how high up the water damage goes. Mold can form if it stays wet for too long, so it’s better to be safe than sorry!
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HomeFixer101: Exactly! Cutting out that section will ensure it dries properly and helps prevent mold from becoming a bigger issue.