While a splash of water won't damage the ceiling's drywall, a continuous flow of water that causes the material to sink or warp is a serious problem. Trim the infected area and replace it with a new sheet. Left uncontrolled, wet drywall can cause hazardous ceilings to collapse, structural damage to adjacent areas, and dangerous mold and mildew damage. After suffering water damage in my basement and all the work done to get it back to normal, I decided to write a blog to help prevent and repair water damage.
There are a lot of differences when it comes to calling a plumber instead of a water damage restoration company. This soaking action is called “absorption,” and the longer the water stays on the drywall, the greater the damage. The water may have already been transferred through a leak in the roof and is now causing damage in places where it would never be expected. The best way to find out if your insurance covers any of your water damage is to contact the company yourself.
If it's an internal plumbing problem, such as a leaking pipe, it may be necessary to shut off the main water supply line to stop the flow of water so that you or a plumber can perform the necessary repairs. Don't let water stains that look old fool you: leakage could continue to be a problem in the future and damage below the surface could spread to other parts of the house. On the mildest end, water can cause a simple water stain that can sometimes be treated with a little bit of drywall compound and paint. Lift the carpets for water and look for any other water stains, rusty screws, and other signs of water or moisture throughout the house.
If the water source is contaminated by sewage or other toxic sources, the drywall in the damaged area is likely to be contaminated and should be removed. If the “incident” with the water in your home lasted a short time and didn't involve much water, such as a simple overflowing toilet or an appliance with a leak that was quickly detected and fixed, the drywall may not absorb water and may not need to be replaced if you handle it right away. Water damage to the ceiling or wall, drywall, or gypsum board can come from a variety of sources in or around your home. Carefully inspect the area, inspect the entire damaged area, and look for damage on lower floors, tight spaces, or other hidden areas.
