Anonymous wrote:If you had a single small leak that is now repaired, and the wall is now dry and firm, I see no reason you would need to replace the drywall. The paint will pucker if there is a drop of water. On the other hand, if there was a big leak or a long term drip, you would definitely need to replace the drywall because it would fall apart.

Yep, this. If you are certain you fixed the leak and it was small, fine to leave it. If not, cut it, find the leak and fix it, then patch it. Patching drywall is one of those things that seems scary and difficult if you haven't done it before but can actually be really easy. The painter should be more than capable of patching it for you.

If you had a single small leak that is now repaired, and the wall is now dry and firm, I see no reason you would need to replace the drywall. The paint will pucker if there is a drop of water. On the other hand, if there was a big leak or a long term drip, you would definitely need to replace the drywall because it would fall apart.

Cut small piece to check. You can buy the patch kit at home depot and do it easily.

You will have to cut it out.

Mold. Cut it out and patch it. It isn't that hard. Mold in the other hand is a big time pain.

Anonymous wrote:How do you know what the leak is behind the drywall

This would be my primary concern as well. If you can't tell where the leak is coming from the top, then it might be a good idea to open it up to see where the leak came from.

I'd at least drill a small hole in there to see if there is a lot of water that ends up coming out and if it looks like it eventually stops or not.

Anonymous wrote:To be.
To be.
To be.

Or not to be

To be.
To be.
To be.

Depending on the size of the leak it is not difficult to patch drywall.

These were my thoughts too.

DH is inclined to just cosmetically fix the wall though so I am trying to find reinforcement for the view that it needs cut out.
- OP

If the ceiling is puckered that means water is there. Not removing is will allow mold to grow.

How do you know what the leak is behind the drywall

Had what seems like a small leak (limited amount of water on floor; brand new paint on ceiling is puckered up but the ceiling itself is not mushy).

Painter is saying that it likely just needs "skimmed" and the drywall should not need to be cut out. Is this possible? Or when drywall gets wet does it sways need replaced?