The short answer
Start with Safety and Water Removal
Before you dry the walls, stop the water source if you can. Turn off the electricity to the affected rooms if water has reached outlets or switches. Wear gloves and boots, and be careful of slippery floors. If the water came from a pipe or appliance, shut off the water supply to the home.
Remove standing water with a wet-dry vacuum or towels. The faster you pull out the puddles, the less moisture soaks into the drywall and framing. If the water is deep or widespread, you may need to call local water damage pros to handle the extraction step.
- Turn off power to wet rooms first
- Wear rubber gloves and waterproof boots
- Use a wet-dry vacuum for standing water
- Mop up remaining dampness with old towels
- Open windows if weather allows
Cut Open the Wall Cavity
Drywall is like a sponge, but the real problem is the air space behind it. Water sits between the drywall and the studs, soaking into wood and insulation. To dry that space, you need airflow. Cut a small hole near the floor, about 6 inches up, between two studs. Do this in each affected bay.
You can use a utility knife or a drywall saw. Keep the holes small and neat, because you will patch them later. If the drywall is already swollen or crumbling, you may need to remove larger sections. That is a bigger job, but it is the only way to dry the wall fully.
Use Fans and a Dehumidifier
Place a box fan or a floor fan aimed into the holes you cut. This pushes air into the wall cavity, helping moisture evaporate. Run the fan for several hours, then move it to the next section. A dehumidifier in the room pulls moisture from the air, which speeds up the drying process.
If you have a wet-dry vacuum with a blower function, use that to force air into the holes. Keep the room closed off from the rest of the house to concentrate the drying effort. Check the wall every few hours by feeling the surface. It should feel dry to the touch, but the inside may take longer.
- Aim a fan into the cut holes
- Run a dehumidifier in the room
- Keep doors and windows closed while dehumidifying
- Check moisture with a moisture meter if you have one
- Repeat the process for several days
When to Remove the Drywall
Not every wet wall can be saved. If the drywall is soft, sagging, or has dark stains, it may need to be replaced. Water that sat for more than a day can break down the paper facing and the gypsum core. In that case, cut out the damaged section and let the framing dry before installing new drywall.
If the wall has insulation inside, wet insulation can hold moisture for a long time. You may need to pull out the wet insulation and let the studs dry. This is a messy job, but it prevents mold and rot. Local water damage pros can handle the removal and drying if the damage is too large.
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Call Now (214) 730-5993Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for walls to dry out?
It depends on how much water soaked in, the type of wall, and the humidity. With fans and a dehumidifier, a small area might dry in a few days. Heavily soaked walls can take a week or more. Check the wall daily with your hand or a moisture meter.
Can I dry out walls without cutting holes?
You can try using a dehumidifier and fans in the room, but the air behind the drywall stays wet. Cutting small holes near the floor is the most effective way to get airflow into the cavity. Without holes, the moisture can stay trapped and cause mold.
Should I repaint the wall after drying?
Only after the wall is completely dry and any mold is gone. If the drywall is damaged, you need to replace it first. Then prime the surface with a stain-blocking primer and paint. If you are unsure, a water damage inspection can tell you if the wall is safe to cover.