The short answer
What Causes the Bubbles
Drywall has a gypsum core wrapped in heavy paper. When water seeps into the wall, the paper absorbs moisture and expands, creating raised blisters or bubbles on the surface. The gypsum core itself can also soften and swell, pushing the paper outward.
The longer water sits, the deeper it soaks, and the more the paper separates. Even after the wall dries, the bubbles remain because the paper has stretched and the core has changed shape. You cannot simply push them flat or paint over them without proper repair.
What You Should Do Right Away
First, stop the source of the leak if you can. Turn off the water supply or patch a roof leak temporarily. Then remove any wet furniture and rugs, and open windows or use fans to dry the area. You need to act quickly to limit the damage.
Do not cut into the drywall yet unless you see standing water behind it. If the wall is soft or sagging, it may be unsafe. For now, dry the surface as much as possible and check the extent of the bubbling. Take photos and note the size of the affected area.
- Turn off the water at the shutoff valve if the leak is from a pipe.
- Place buckets or towels under active drips to prevent floor damage.
- Use a dehumidifier or fans to dry the air and the wall surface.
- Remove outlet covers and light switches if safe, to allow airflow behind the wall.
- Do not paint over bubbles, as the paint will crack and peel later.
- Document the damage with photos for your own records. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
When to Call the Pros
If the leak was large, the water may have soaked into the insulation, framing, or subfloor behind the drywall. That hidden moisture can lead to mold growth and structural issues. The pros can measure moisture levels and find the full extent of the damage.
You should also call local water damage pros if you cannot dry the wall within a few days, or if you see signs of mold. They have the equipment to dry the structure properly and can help you decide which sections need to be cut out and replaced.
If you live in Orem, keep your shutoff valve location written down so you can act fast in a future leak.
Repairing the Bubbled Drywall
Once the wall is completely dry, you will likely need to remove the damaged sections. Cut out the bubbled areas in a square or rectangle, going beyond the visible damage to reach sound drywall. Then install new drywall, tape the seams, and apply joint compound.
The repair depends on the size of the damage. Small patches can be done by a handy homeowner, but large areas or damage near electrical outlets may need the pros. The pros can also match the texture and paint so the repair blends in.
Expect the cost to vary widely, often between a few hundred and several thousand dollars, depending on the size of the area, whether insulation needs replacing, and the cause of the leak.
Preventing Future Bubbling
The right way to avoid bubbled drywall is to catch leaks early. Check under sinks, behind appliances, and around windows for signs of moisture. Know where your main shutoff valve is and how to turn it off in an emergency.
If you have a slow leak, fix it as soon as you notice. Regular maintenance on plumbing and roofs can prevent water from reaching your drywall in the first place.
Need help right now?
Phones are answered 24/7 for Orem and nearby communities.
Call Now (801) 876-1119Frequently asked questions
Can I just paint over the bubbles?
Painting over bubbles does not fix the problem. The moisture is still in the wall, and the paint will eventually crack and peel. You need to dry the wall thoroughly and repair or replace the damaged drywall before painting.
Will the bubbles go away once the wall dries?
No. Once the paper has stretched and the gypsum core has swelled, the damage is permanent. Drying the wall may reduce the size of the bubbles slightly, but they will not flatten back to a smooth surface.
How do I know if the drywall needs to be replaced?
If the drywall is soft, sagging, or crumbles when you touch it, it needs to be replaced. Also, if you see mold or the leak was large, you should remove the damaged sections. A moisture meter can help, but local water damage pros can assess it for you.