How To Repair Drywall After Plumbing
Water-damaged drywall is likely to occur at some point in the future, whether as a result of busted plumbing pipes or a leaking roof. While hiring a professional is always an option, small water damage repair can also be tackled as a do-it-yourself project. Any homeowner can use this simple four-step approach to repair or replace water damaged drywall.
Repair the Leak
Stopping the source of the problem is the first and most crucial step in any water damage repair. While this is self-evident for major leaks, it can be tempting to delay or minimise the consequences if the leak is little. It’s possible that you’ll wish to repair the harm and move on. However, regardless of the extent of the leak, if you don’t fix the leak first, you’ll end up with the same problem of water damaged drywall.
Cutting a six-square-inch hole in your drywall near the water damage will usually disclose the leaky pipe piece. To fix the leak, you’ll need to switch off the water and cut out the damaged pipe part.
Install the replacement pipe in the most efficient manner possible for the pipe type you have. When picking repair options, keep in mind that some “Easy DIY-type fittings” aren’t meant to be used behind drywall or in inaccessible regions. Turn the water back on and check for leaks before fixing the drywall once the pipe and fittings have been replaced.
Replace Sagging Drywall
Drywall is porous, and it can quickly lose its structural integrity if exposed to moisture over an extended period of time. While it is unavoidable to replace broken drywall, you must also recognise that blistering or sagging drywall cannot be saved. Find any parts of drywall that are out of plumb with a level tool and replace them with a fresh piece.
However, before you install the new drywall, make sure that the insulation and studs behind the cut portion are entirely dry. Even if the source of the leak has been identified and fixed, the new drywall can be harmed if it is installed against dampness. Allow the inner wall to cure for a few days if necessary before installing the new drywall.
Get Rid of Mold
Mold thrives in moist drywall because of the porous quality of the material. If the drywall is still structurally sound but plagued with mould, scrubbing the drywall will destroy the mould. Mold may be killed using a diluted bleach solution that won’t harm the drywall.
Within one to two days, the chlorine bleach should eradicate all evidence of mould, as well as small water stains on the wall. The next step is to sand and paint the wall if any visible stains remain.
Cover Water Stains
To conceal water stains in drywall, start by scraping off any loose or peeling paint with a paint scraper. Begin sanding the wall with a medium-grit sandpaper and work your way down to a finer grit until the surface is smooth. When the drywall surface is clear of defects, you can prime and paint it.
Repairing drywall with minimal water damage is not a thing tough , and with a little research virtually any homeowner should be able to finish it.
However, you should be able to see severe water damage that is beyond the reach of a DIY project so you know when to call a pro.