### What to Do About Water Damage in Walls Water damage in walls can be a serious problem, and it's important to address it quickly to prevent further damage to your home. Here are some steps you can take to assess and deal with water damage in walls: 1. **Inspect the damage:** The first step is to inspect the damage and determine the extent of the problem. Look for signs of water damage, such as: - Discolored or stained walls - Buckling or peeling wallpaper or paint - Soft or spongy drywall - Mold or mildew growth 2. **Identify the source of the leak:** Once you've identified the damage, you need to determine the source of the leak. This could be a leaky roof, a burst pipe, or a faulty appliance. Once you've found the source, you can stop the leak and prevent further damage. 3. **Remove the damaged drywall:** Once you've stopped the leak, you need to remove the damaged drywall. Use a utility knife to cut out the damaged section of drywall, and be careful not to damage the surrounding drywall. 4. **Dry out the wall:** Once the damaged drywall has been removed, you need to dry out the wall. You can do this by using a fan or dehumidifier to circulate air and remove moisture from the wall. 5. **Repair the wall:** Once the wall is dry, you can repair it by replacing the damaged drywall. Cut a new piece of drywall to fit the opening, and secure it in place with screws. Then, apply joint compound to the seams and smooth it out. Once the joint compound is dry, you can paint or wallpaper the wall. If the water damage is severe, you may need to hire a professional water damage cleanup company to help you with the cleanup and repair process.