The short answer
Stop the Water Source First
Before you dry anything, stop the water from flowing. If a pipe behind the shower is leaking, turn off the shutoff valve for that bathroom or the main water valve for your home. If the leak came from a shower overflow or a loose tile, fix that issue first, or the drywall will just get wet again.
Once the water is off, check the area around the shower for visible damage. Look for bubbling paint, soft spots, or a musty smell. These signs tell you how much water soaked in. If the water came from a clean source, drying may be enough. If it came from a drain, the drywall may need to be removed.
Assess the Extent of the Damage
Use a moisture meter to test the drywall and the studs behind it. A meter with pin probes works well. Push the pins into the drywall in a grid pattern to find the wet area. Drywall that reads above 15 percent moisture is still wet and needs more drying. If the drywall feels soft or crumbles when you press on it, it has lost its strength.
If the wet spot is larger than a few feet across, or if the water reached the insulation behind the drywall, the wet insulation should be removed. Wet insulation holds water against the studs and will not dry well on its own. You can pull out the wet batts and let the cavity air out before replacing them.
- Turn off the water valve before checking anything
- Press on the drywall to feel for soft spots
- Look for peeling paint or wallpaper near the shower
- Check the floor for water stains or warping
- Use a moisture meter if you have one
- Note the date the leak happened
Drying Methods for Minor Dampness
If the drywall is still firm and the wet area is small, you can dry it in place. Open the wall if possible by cutting a small access hole, which lets air reach the cavity. Aim a fan at the opening and run a dehumidifier in the room. Keep the fan running for at least 48 hours, then check the moisture level again.
When to Cut Out and Replace Drywall
If the drywall is sagging, crumbling, or shows dark stains, it needs to be cut out. Use a utility knife to cut a clean rectangle around the wet area. Cut back to the center of the nearest studs so you have something to attach the new piece to. Remove any wet insulation behind it and let the cavity dry completely before installing new drywall.
Drywall that stays wet for more than a few days can grow mold. If you see black or green spots, treat the area as a mold problem. Wear gloves and a mask, and consider calling a mold professional. The pros can test the area and recommend the right course of action. Replacing wet drywall is often easier and safer than trying to save it.
- Cut out any drywall that feels soft or crumbles
- Remove wet insulation and let the studs dry
- Use a moisture meter to confirm the studs are dry
- Install new drywall with moisture-resistant backing
- Seal the seams and repaint with a waterproof primer
- Watch for mold growth over the next few weeks
When to Call the Pros
You can handle small, contained wet spots on your own. But if the water spread behind the shower into the wall cavity, or if you can't find the source of the leak, it's time to call the pros. Local water damage pros have industrial fans, dehumidifiers, and moisture meters that can dry out the wall faster and more thoroughly.
The pros can also check for hidden damage in the framing and behind the shower tile. If the leak has been going on for a while, there may be rot or mold that you can't see. They will cut open the wall, dry the cavity, and replace the drywall if needed. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered, so check your home insurance policy to see if water damage from a plumbing leak is included.
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Call (386) 272-5697 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (386) 272-5697Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to dry wet drywall behind a shower?
It depends on how wet the drywall is and the airflow in the room. Small damp spots can dry in two to three days with fans and a dehumidifier. Larger areas or wet insulation can take a week or more. Check the moisture level regularly to know when it's dry.
Can I dry wet drywall without cutting a hole?
You can try, but it's risky. Without airflow behind the drywall, the moisture can stay trapped and lead to mold. If the drywall is only slightly damp, you might dry it with a fan aimed at the surface. But if the moisture reading stays high, cut a small access hole to let air in.
What if the drywall behind the shower is already moldy?
Moldy drywall should be removed, not dried. Cut out the affected section and dispose of it in a sealed bag. Clean the studs with a mold-killing solution and let them dry completely. If the mold covers a large area, call a mold professional to handle it safely.