Should You Replace Wet Drywall

The first step is to locate a moisture source. This shouldn’t be too difficult. Look at the pipes behind the damaged areas you’ve seen. If mold is present, implement some mold removal techniques.

When you find a leaking pipe, turn off the water supply until it is repaired. You can clamp it or use tape to secure it. You could also attach a slip coupling to your pipe.

The next step is to test the moisture levels in the drywall. Sometimes your drywall is already so wet that putting in the effort to dry it out will just be a waste of your time. If the drywall is only more than 1% wet, it should be replaced. But how do you figure this out?

You’ll need a moisture meter. Penetrating moisture meters are usually more accurate than non-penetrating moisture meters, and they also have more features. If you already have one, great; if not, keep in mind that they are expensive, so we recommend consulting with a professional, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. We’ll talk about this later.

You can also pry off the baseboards and poke holes in the drywall with a screwdriver. Wet drywall is soft and easily penetrated. If it’s dry, it’s going to be the opposite – tough and not-so-easily penetrated. 

It’s not just ugly to have a wet drywall. A health risk and a threat to structural integrity are also present. Mold can grow on any damp surface in your home, and soft and weak drywall can further compromise your property’s stability. 

So, turn on dehumidifiers and fans and set them to work to prevent this. Dehumidifiers will help with drying the entire room, while fans are fantastic for concentrating on small damp areas. If you don’t already have this equipment, consider renting it or borrowing it from a neighbor or family member. To make the space as airtight as feasible, tape plastic sheeting over windows and doorways as well. Make sure you use your moisture meter to periodically monitor the process.