The short answer
Safety First
Before touching wet drywall, turn off power to the affected room at the breaker if water could have reached outlets or switches. Wear rubber gloves and a mask to avoid contact with possibly contaminated water. If the water came from a sewer or flood, treat it as contaminated and see a doctor if you feel unwell.
Check the ceiling for sagging sections that could collapse. Wet drywall is heavy and can pull away from the framing. If you see bulges or cracks, avoid standing directly underneath. Move furniture and rugs out of the room to prevent further damage.
- Wear gloves and eye protection
- Turn off electricity in the room
- Check ceiling for sagging
- Remove furniture and rugs
- Avoid contact with flood water
Remove Standing Water
Use a wet/dry vacuum to suck up any pooled water on the floor and baseboards. Work from the edges toward the center to avoid spreading water. If the drywall is soaked to the floor, remove the baseboard to let air reach the bottom edge.
For water trapped behind the wall, cut small holes near the floor to let it drain. Place a bucket underneath to catch the runoff. This helps the drying process start sooner. Do not use a regular household vacuum on wet surfaces, as it can be a shock hazard.
- Use a wet/dry vacuum
- Work from edges inward
- Remove baseboards if soaked
- Cut drain holes near floor
- Use buckets to catch runoff
Increase Airflow
Set up fans to blow across the wet surfaces, not just at them. Point them so air circulates around the room, which speeds evaporation. Open windows and doors if the outdoor humidity is low. In a humid climate like Rowlett, which has humid subtropical conditions, you may want to keep windows closed during humid spells.
Run a dehumidifier to pull moisture from the air. Empty the water reservoir regularly, as it will fill fast. Aim for a relative humidity below 50 percent if possible. Keep the fans running for several days, rotating them to reach all wet areas.
- Position fans for cross-ventilation
- Open windows when humidity is low
- Run a dehumidifier
- Empty dehumidifier reservoir often
- Keep fans running for days
Cut Out Soaked Sections
If the drywall is soft, crumbles, or has dark stains, it will not dry back to a solid state. Use a utility knife to cut out the damaged section in a rectangular shape, going beyond the wet area. Remove any wet insulation behind it, as it holds moisture and promotes mold growth.
Leave the opening to dry completely before patching. You can patch it with new drywall pieces, but only after the framing is dry. Check the studs for moisture with a moisture meter if you have one. If you are unsure, a water damage inspection can help decide what to replace.
- Cut rectangular sections
- Remove wet insulation
- Let framing dry fully
- Patch only after drying
- Use a moisture meter if available
Prevent Mold Growth
Mold can start growing on wet drywall within a day or two. Keep the area dry and well-ventilated to reduce that risk. If you see or smell mold, do not scrub it, as that can release spores. Contact a mold professional for safe removal.
For small patches, you can clean with a mild detergent after drying. But porous materials like drywall often need replacement once mold sets in. If you live in Rowlett, check your home after heavy storms, since spring hail and thunderstorms can lead to water intrusion. Act quickly to dry out any wet spots.
- Dry within 24 to 48 hours
- Watch for mold signs
- Do not scrub mold
- Call a mold professional if present
- Replace porous materials if moldy
Water damage does not wait
Call (214) 730-5993 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (214) 730-5993Frequently asked questions
How long does wet drywall take to dry?
It depends on the extent of water, humidity, and airflow. With fans and a dehumidifier, small areas may dry in a few days. Larger, soaked sections might take a week or more and often need replacement.
Can I dry drywall with a hair dryer?
A hair dryer is not effective for large areas and can overheat one spot. Use fans and a dehumidifier instead. For small, confined spaces, a hair dryer on a low setting might help, but it is slow.
When should I replace wet drywall instead of drying it?
Replace it if the drywall is sagging, crumbling, or has been wet for more than two days. Also replace if mold is visible or the water came from sewage. Drying works only for minor, quick-drying wet spots.