My upstairs tub had a slow leak which I fixed. I found the problem because a small amount of texture and paint started peeling off the ceiling downstairs in two small areas. No water was dripping from the areas. The drywall is solid, it appears it just needs to be completely dried, prepped, textured and so on.

Now here's the question: do I HAVE to cut a hole in the ceiling to air out the drywall to prevent mold?

Like I said, it was a slow leak (maybe over a few months) and the drywall is a little damp, but is solid. I can, although I would prefer not to, cut out the drywall to air it out. Do I really have to be concerned about mold growing when it was a minor water leak?

Thanks in advance!

 

Yes, you need to be concerned. I would remove all the damp drywall regardless of whether it seemed to be solid.

 

.... or at least cut an inspection hole to see what it looks like on the backside of the drywall.

 

As long as the water leak has been fixed, I see no reason to cut the rock. Once the water is removed mold can not grow.

 

I would agree if it weren't for the fact that it leaked for several months.

 

And the debate begins! I think I'm going to cut an access today and air it out, maybe with a fan or a heater. I doubt there's mold. If I spray it with a bleach solution will that prevent mold from growing? I really don't want to tear down a big section of drywall, mud, texture and so on.

 

Bleach kills mildew and sometimes mold but you don't want to use it a full strength as it will damage wood fibers. 25% or less bleach/water solution should be ok - just don't get carried away, the more moisture you add the longer it will take to dry.

 

I would cut a hole big enough to allow you to inspect the back side.

As stated, the concern is due to the length of time the leak was there.