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Why You Must Replace Sewage-Damaged Drywall And How to Do It

Green Planet Restoration teamReviewed by our restoration crew Updated October 1, 20265 min read
Why Sewage-Damaged Drywall Must Be Replaced | Green Planet Restoration
Did sewage or floodwater soak into your walls? Not sure whether to repair or replace it? There are certain aspects that you need to consider. Compared to common household water damage, when the drywall is exposed to sewage water, it not only becomes wet, but in time it poses a hazard to its surroundings. Since sewage water is contaminated, the drywall becomes host to several dangerous bacteria, such as mold spores, and E.coli. And this makes the sewage cleanup process nearly impossible. So, what are your options? Either to replace sewage-damaged drywall or ignore the warning signs. In this blog, we will inform you of the steps you need to take for sewage-damaged drywall replacement, cleanup, structural repairs and reconstruction, and the insurance claims process.

What is the process for professional drywall replacement after a sewage leakage?

When sewage or floodwater enters your home, you should act immediately. Here is the process of how sewage-damaged drywall replacement takes place.

Step 1: Containment and Demolition

Bathroom cleanup after a sewage backup
Before anything is removed, our restoration team sets up barriers to keep contaminated dust and debris from spreading. These barriers are sealed in place and supported by HEPA air scrubbers that clean the air inside the work zone. Drywall is then cut and removed about 24 inches above the water line, or higher if moisture spreads further. This is known as a “flood cut,” and it allows the wall cavity to fully dry out.

Step 2: Cleaning and Moisture Checks

Crawl space drying after a sewage leak
When the drywall is opened, the cleaning process begins. It is important to scrub any wood framing or other exposed materials. After that, it is sprayed with approved disinfectants for sewage cleanup. Water damage restoration experts use moisture meters to test the wood and make sure it is drying properly. Before closing the wall, it is necessary to bring the moisture level below 15%. In some cases, the experts also do contamination testing to confirm it is safe for reconstruction. Also read: Can HEPA Vacuums Remove Mold Spores Completely?

Step 3: Drying and Air Filtration

We set up high-powered dehumidifiers and air movers to remove moisture from the air and structure. These run non-stop until everything is dry. HEPA air scrubbers continue running to trap mold spores, dust, and bacteria. Technicians wear full protective tools, including masks, suits, and gloves, to stay safe during the sewage-damaged drywall replacement process.

Step 4: Rebuilding the Wall

Once everything is clean and dry, the restoration company insulates the walls and installs new drywall. Since the climate changes are at an extreme in the US, it is important to make sure there is proper insulation to prevent future water damage. Many restoration companies now are opting for moisture-resistant drywall. Also known as the GreenBoard, these drywalls are frequently used in basements, bathrooms, or other moisture-prone areas. Apart from moisture-resistant drywall installation, the following types of drywall are now being installed as a standard.
  1. Fire-Resistant Drywall (Type X or Type C): Contains glass fibers and other additives to slow fire spread. Usual thickness of ⅝ inch for greater fire resistance. Used in garages, furnace rooms, and fire-rated assemblies.
  2. Mold-Resistant Drywall (Purple Board): Treated with mold inhibitors (often has a purple facing). Used in high-moisture areas prone to mold (e.g., bathrooms, laundry rooms).

Step 5: Final Checks

After the sewage-damaged drywall replacement, the restoration team conducts a thorough inspection to make certain of quality and safety. The process involves sealing and finishing the drywall, applying primer and paint, confirming moisture levels, conducting contamination testing, and conducting air quality checks. The restoration team inspects the new drywall, insulation, and framing to make certain they meet building codes and are secure. A final walkthrough is conducted with the homeowner to review the work and guarantee satisfaction with the repairs. Once these checks are complete, the area is deemed safe for use, and the containment barriers are removed, restoring the space to its pre-damage condition.

How Long Does It Take to Replace Sewage-Damaged Drywall?

The time of replacing sewage-damaged drywall depends on various factors, but mostly a single-room drywall takes around 4-7 days.
  • Drying time: To fully dry the framing, it needs 2-4 days.
  • Permits: Before beginning the reconstruction, inspecting some areas is required.
  • Damage extent: it depends on the number of rooms and their size.
In Southern California, it is most important that the restoration experts have knowledge about local building codes and moisture levels.

Will Insurance Cover Sewage-Damaged Drywall Replacement?

It depends on the damage caused and the type of policy coverage. Most of the homeowners’ insurance policies by default do cover sewage damage. Some insurance companies even offer an optional endorsement, which is called Sewer Backup Endorsement or Water Backup Coverage. These policies are available to purchase separately. If you have not added this coverage, you will be responsible for the full repair cost, including:
  • Drywall tear-out and disposal
  • Antimicrobial disinfection
  • Structural drying and monitoring
  • New drywall installation and finishing
When you deal with insurance adjusters, you also need to handle paperwork and deadlines. It is very difficult during a stressful cleanup. So, we not only restore your home, but we also manage all your insurance claim needs. Green Planet Restoration works directly with major insurance carriers in Southern California. Our technicians keep detailed records throughout the damage restoration process. We make sure everything is documented properly so you are not left with unexpected costs or denied coverage.

Hire a Certified Damage Restoration Company in Southern California

Do you need a professional and certified company in Southern California for sewage-damaged drywall replacement? Contact Green Planet Restoration for complete damage reconstruction and insurance claims. If you do not act immediately and wait longer, the damage and moisture can cause more serious risks. We will help you restore your home more safely and instantly.     ______________________

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Written by the Green Planet Restoration team

Our articles are written and reviewed by the crews who handle water, fire and mold damage every day across Southern California, Seattle, Miami-Dade and Las Vegas. About us

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