How To Fix Your Bedroom Ceiling Drywall When The Upstairs Tub Leaked

Posted on: 21 October 2015

If you have a bathroom on the second floor of your house, then you might end up with a water damaged first floor ceiling. Maybe the tub sprung a leak, or maybe someone left the water running without paying attention. Whatever the cause, it can be a nightmare. However, don't be too upset. You can fix the situation if you have the right tools, time and patience.

Here is what you should do.

Step 1: Remove The Damaged Section Of Ceiling

You will have to remove the section of ceiling where the water damage occurred. It might be tempting to paint over the stain, but don't do that. Water damage can lead to mold. This mold will be in the air and can make you or your family sick. So, get rid of it.

You will need three tools. A keyhole saw, a hammer and a punch (or flat edged screwdriver). Most professional's use a reciprocating saw, but you can get away with using a keyhole saw. Buying a reciprocating saw is an unnecessary expense.

Use the hammer and punch to make a small opening in the ceiling. Then use the saw to cut out the bad drywall. Take care to notice if the underlying paper is damp. The damp paper might extend past where you originally saw the stain. This area has to be removed.

Make the cut even. If this means cutting out good drywall, then so be it. It will make it much easier when it comes time to installing the new drywall. Make sure that you cut a large enough hole so that there are studs visible. You will need to screw the new drywall into a stud.

You should also remove any damp insulation, if there is any, at this point. Fiber insulation rolls can be cut with a construction scissors or utility knife.

Set the broken up old drywall aside for later disposal. Let the opening air out for at least twenty-four hours.

Add the new insulation after the twenty-four hour period.

Step 2: Attach New Drywall

Measure the opening in the ceiling. Using a utility knife, score the new drywall to fit the opening. You never cut thorough a piece of drywall when cutting it. You score the top of it and then "snap" off the excess.

Use a drill to screw the drywall into the stud.

Step 3: Tape and Paste

Tape the sides of the drywall with drywall tape. Then use joint compound to cover the tape and also the screw heads. Let this set for the time mentioned on the container of compound.

Step 4: Sand and Paint

Finally, sand down the nail heads and any high areas on the tape. You want a smooth surface before you paint. When you are done sanding, wipe the area down with a dry cloth to remove any dust. Then repaint the ceiling.

Step 5: Debris Clean Up

Drywall, paint cans, old insulation, nails and screws are considered construction debris. Many towns have laws about throwing out construction debris with household garbage. So, it's best to contact a special service that deals with construction debris disposal.

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