How Do I Dry Out Water Damage Inside My Walls?

Before you dry anything, you need to stop the water from entering. Shut off the main water valve if a pipe burst, or fix the leak if you can do it safely. If the water came from outside, check the roof and gutters for obvious issues.

Turn off electricity to the affected rooms at the breaker panel. Water and electricity are a dangerous mix, and you should not stand in standing water near outlets or appliances. If you feel unwell or unsure, leave the area and call a professional.

Set up fans to blow air into the wall cavities. Aim them at the holes you cut, and keep them running for several days. A dehumidifier in the room pulls moisture from the air, which speeds up the drying process.

Keep windows open if the humidity outside is lower than indoors. In humid summer months, outdoor air may be very wet, so rely on the dehumidifier more than open windows. Check the wall daily with a moisture meter if you have one.

Drying out walls yourself works for small, contained spills. But if water soaked insulation, or if the wall has been wet for more than a couple of days, the damage may be deeper than you can handle. Local water damage pros have industrial fans, dehumidifiers, and moisture meters to dry walls thoroughly.

They also know how to check for hidden damage in the framing and can help you document the loss for your insurance claim. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Even if you plan to dry it yourself, an inspection can tell you if the structure is safe.

• Water is still seeping after you shut off the source
• You smell a strong musty odor that does not go away
• Drywall crumbles when you touch it
• You see sagging in the ceiling or wall
• The water came from a sewer or flood, not clean pipes