How Do I Safely Remove Water-Damaged Drywall Myself?

Before cutting anything, figure out what kind of water soaked the drywall. If it came from a burst pipe, a leaking faucet, or a supply line, that is clean water and safe for you to handle with basic precautions. If the water came from a toilet overflow, a sewer backup, or standing floodwater, it may contain harmful bacteria and you should not touch it yourself.

In that case, stop and call the pros. They have the training and equipment to handle contaminated water safely. Also, if the drywall has been wet for more than 48 hours, mold may be growing behind it. In that situation, a mold professional should assess the area before you disturb it.

Use a utility knife to score the drywall along the center of the wall studs, both above and below the damaged section. Cut through the paper and the gypsum core, then pull the damaged pieces away from the studs. Work in sections if the damage is large, and remove any wet insulation behind the wall.

Dispose of the wet drywall in heavy trash bags. Check the wood studs for moisture; if they are wet, let them air dry completely before installing new drywall. If you notice mold on the wood, stop and call a mold professional for advice.

• Score along stud lines with a utility knife
• Pull drywall away from the studs
• Remove wet insulation and discard it
• Let wood studs dry completely
• Look for mold and stop if present

If the damage is more than a small patch, or if the water came from a contaminated source, call local water damage pros. They can handle the extraction, drying, and removal safely. Also, if the drywall covers a large area, or if you are unsure about the extent of the damage, professional help is the safer route.

The pros can also help with water extraction and drywall repair after you have removed the damaged sections. For help with flooring that got wet, check the related services below. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.