How can we ensure the remaining drywall will hold itself after cutting out the discolored, wet section, and how do we locate the source of the leak?
Asked by Leroy Hale 
4 months ago
Last Updated: July 26, 2024
Hey everyone, so we noticed some funky looking drywall in our living room today, but there doesn’t seem to be any water actively leaking. We cut into it and found that it’s turned pink and still wet, but we can’t see where the water is coming from. We checked all the taps in the house and they’re dry. We’re thinking of cutting out the affected drywall and replacing it, hoping this was a one-time thing. Quick question though, if we cut out a long section of drywall attached to the joist, will the rest of the drywall be able to hold itself up? And any tips on how to track down the source of this mystery leak? Thanks for your help, I’ve included a picture for reference.
Do you know what is located above that specific area?
Hey, that’s a great question, !
Yes, that should work just fine.
The leak seems to be nearby. It tends to drip down and travel along a stud. It’s very close to where you dug. Try using a cell phone to take pictures in both directions…I bet you’ll spot the leak. It could be from an old shower.
Looks like that LED light has some water stains around it – must be a solid link. Is it pooling up between those two studs?
Makes a good point. We recently experienced a water backup in the shower upstairs due to a clogged drain. However, the shower is further away from this stain.
Wouldn’t be surprised if that spot is a “low spot” due to framing or drywall, creating a pond because of the leak. If you’re sure you fixed the leak issue nearby, you should be good. I got a cheap pronged moisture meter on Amazon. I check an obviously dry area first and then the moisture in the stain. I wouldn’t bother fixing the spot until the moisture levels are back to normal. Also, you can use moisture levels to determine if the problem still exists after fixing the shower leak.
‘t forget to check the attic for any issues.
The leak was triggered by something. I believe there’s a possibility of it happening again.
Wow, that electrical issue sounds concerning! For the water leak, my guess is a leaking vent boot. Have you experienced any recent rain? Look for water signs on the roof decking to trace the flow downhill. It’s likely from a bathroom PVC vent.
First things first, locate and repair the leak. It’s there. I always make sure to cut enough drywall to span between at least 2 points for nailing. It may cover a larger area but won’t necessarily require more work.
Continue investigating by widening the area until you locate the source. Try flushing the toilet and running the shower or tub to see if it reveals anything.
Make sure to place a steel protector beneath the electrical hole before applying any patches.
Light I was thinking, could it be the same person who caused the leak?
Hold on! ⚠️
It’s possible that someone in your household used a lot of water (like taking a long shower) which could have caused the leak. Try to recreate one of these situations.
Could your AC in the attic be leaking from the condenser?
There’s no air conditioning in the attic
Sounds good! Roof, second floor, bathroom, exhaust vent, and most likely a sewer vent stack passing through the roof? They have rubber boots that degrade and cause water to leak down the outer pipe wall. I would definitely focus on identifying the source of the water before anything else.
The leak might not be directly above the stain; it could be traveling along a joist.
Leaks are rarely located directly above the visible stain. I suggest using an air mover to dry out the area and then monitor it for any future leaks to determine the source.
Make sure to check if you accidentally cut the electrical cable. Also, keep in mind that you can adjust the size of the drywall opening as needed for a secure fit.
It may seem odd, but without visible signs of a leak, it could be happening when someone is showering. This can be caused by water seeping through the caulking or tub spout. It can be tricky to locate, but it’s a common issue.
Strange situations like condensation, unusual appliance usage, storms with uncommon wind direction, or heavy objects in unexpected places can all lead to intermittent leaks.
Olivia, make sure to thoroughly investigate the water leak as it may travel. Cut the drywall back to halfway through the ceiling joists on both sides so you can securely patch it. This method should provide long-term durability.
American Leak Detection can assist you with ensuring everything is dry before replacing the affected drywall by using dehus & air movers.
Consider cutting it open to investigate further and maybe consult a plumber. Could there be a bathroom directly above?
Watch out because that wire is positioned very low on the joist. A screw might catch it when patching up the drywall.
Totally; wire hole should be a minimum of 1-1/2” away from the edge of the joist!
Yeah the bathroom double vanity is right above it
Seems to be everywhere lately.
I wonder what is up to these days.
What do you think about having a double vanity above the office?
I think is making a name for herself.
Oh , she’s quite popular, right?
Hey, have you heard of ?
Back in October, 160 gallons of hot water flooded my ceiling because of a faulty compression fitting. It caused a lot of damage, resulting in a full demo and remodel of my wife’s office, upstairs bathroom, hallway, bedroom floor, powder room, office, living room, and kitchen patch. Currently fixing up the bathroom. If I weren’t a contractor, I’d be looking at 30-50k in repairs. Insurance can be quite frustrating, right? Here’s a look at the office after the remodel.
Wait, , the insurance didn’t provide coverage for this? That’s surprising!
Insurance can be so unreliable. They gave us a choice between getting dropped or having our rates doubled.
This disaster has taken up hundreds of hours of my time, .
Oh man, , the whole industry can be such a headache, right?
If there’s a wire present, water is likely to follow it.
Dealing with the worst leaks!
Have you checked what’s above it? Is it possible that the issue is related to a roof leak?
In the bathroom
What’s causing the issue above?
In the master bathroom
It might be a leak from the master bath. Check the corners of the shower/tub, inspect supply valves, and listen for any drips. Remember, water tends to flow to the lowest point, so the source may not be directly above the damage.
If the damaged wall isn’t an exterior one, then it’s likely the bathroom. Remove all damaged drywall, perhaps going a bit further to pinpoint the issue. ‘t stress about the size of the hole, drywall is relatively inexpensive for a DIY project.
Could it be that the AC drip pan is clogged?
I’m willing to bet that if you turn on the faucet in all your showers and tubs, then have the heaviest person in your household stand in one and move around, you’ll discover the source of the leak.
Tracing water damage can be tricky as water levels seek their own path. The leak may not be directly above the wet spot. Consider the distance between the wet spot and the upstairs bathroom. To identify the source, try running each device individually. ood luck!
The upstairs master bathroom vanity is directly above Capozzi’s.
Turn on the hot water for 5 minutes, then switch to cold for 5 minutes. Need to determine if it’s the hot or cold water. Can you feel the Sheetrock to see if it’s hot or cold water? It could be an issue with the drainage. Have you checked the trap under the sink? Is everything properly secured?
Ever had a child playing near a sink that wasn’t sealed properly? I’ve experienced this firsthand.
Consider the possibility of the leak being related to the roof, a clogged gutter, or even a window that is not properly sealed. Keep an open mind beyond just checking the plumbing.
Make sure to inspect the chimney flashing for any signs of a leak. It seems like the leak is originating from right under the chimney flashing.
Could it be a problem with the roof or flashing?
Chances are, , it wasn’t due to rain.
Make sure to remove all the discolored sheet rock – it’s going to be a pretty big patch. Take a look at some videos by the Vancouver contractor on how to replace sheet rock. It’s important to have wood support under the sheetrock, as one stud in the middle won’t be enough for such a big patch.
Remove the damaged section completely and leave it exposed for a while. The tub shower leaked on me because the tub stopper was loose after I removed it to clear a clog. Luckily, I had the ceiling open already, otherwise I wouldn’t have known about it since it rarely happens.
If it’s wet and damp, then there must be a leak that’s still happening.
Is it possible that condensation is the cause? Is that a pipe for your outdoor faucet?
Hmm, could be a leak in the roof 🤔
JUST AND ONLY the new text:
Hmm, could be a leak in the roof 🤔
Let’s head up to the roof or into the attic if we can get in there.
It seems like there’s also some discoloration around the circular speaker or light. I’d recommend getting a professional to inspect it. There’s definitely a leak somewhere, possibly a slow drip that may go unnoticed if it’s not a major leak. What is directly above this spot? Another floor or a potential roof leak?
I have a hunch that the leak is near your chimney and running along the truss.. Have you done any work on the roof recently? I’d suggest checking the sealant around the flashing.
There appears to be a leak from above. It’s a simple drywall repair, but you need to locate the source first.
If that’s a chimney on the right, I’d suggest inspecting the flashing first. The presence of moisture near the pot light in the ceiling is concerning
There seems to be a leak from ‘s fireplace.
Wow, that hole is really close! Maybe ask for a helping hand from a friend 😬🙏
What lies above the ceiling? It’s crucial to locate and fix the leak to prevent a recurrence. Check the seals on shower, sink, and tub drains for any issues
Using a moisture meter to pinpoint the source. Water problems are never a one-time occurrence, unfortunately
Perhaps there’s a roof leak or a toilet overflow causing this issue