Water/Mildew problems
#1
07-06-12, 10:11 AM
Water/Mildew problems
Didn't see much in the cleaning forum so thought I'd try here since others had posted mildew questions.
Background: Condensate pump on furnace was clogged and leaking into basement room. Not sure when it started because I don't go down there much but it was within the last couple of weeks because the AC guys came out and looked at it about 2 weeks ago. Appears water may have gone under the drywall. I noticed that the tape was pulling away from the joint, but I didn't check to see if the wall was wet or not at the time.
Today, my wife said that there is a mildewy smell throughout my house. I'm assuming that it is either that or a smell of standing water that has gone through the vents. Here is what I'm considering:
Make sure the floor is dry. Check the drywall to see if it is wet. See if water seeped into the room on the other side of the wall. Buy a dehumidifier to dry that room out completely. Or I could just get some Damp Rid to put in there. Which is the better option?
My main concern is that there might be mold or mildew in the wall. However I really don't want to put a hole in the wall if I don't have to. If the drywall isn't wet and there was no seepage into the other room, do I have to worry about mildew?
Background: Condensate pump on furnace was clogged and leaking into basement room. Not sure when it started because I don't go down there much but it was within the last couple of weeks because the AC guys came out and looked at it about 2 weeks ago. Appears water may have gone under the drywall. I noticed that the tape was pulling away from the joint, but I didn't check to see if the wall was wet or not at the time.
Today, my wife said that there is a mildewy smell throughout my house. I'm assuming that it is either that or a smell of standing water that has gone through the vents. Here is what I'm considering:
Make sure the floor is dry. Check the drywall to see if it is wet. See if water seeped into the room on the other side of the wall. Buy a dehumidifier to dry that room out completely. Or I could just get some Damp Rid to put in there. Which is the better option?
My main concern is that there might be mold or mildew in the wall. However I really don't want to put a hole in the wall if I don't have to. If the drywall isn't wet and there was no seepage into the other room, do I have to worry about mildew?
#2
07-06-12, 10:15 AM
Group Moderator
Mildew goes away when the moisture does. Dry out the room and inspect the drywall - if it feels solid, you're probably OK. Given that the joint is coming apart, I think the likelihood of the drywall being damaged is pretty good but you may only need to repair the joint.
#3
07-07-12, 05:36 AM
What Mitch said. In order to inspect the sheetrock, go ahead and pull off a piece between studs up at least 2' high. That way you can tell how extensive the mold is, even if there is any. Quite possible you have some. You can always pull all the sheetrock down at the 2' mark all around the affected area and replace it. Not the easiest, but could be the best to alleviate the musty smell. Dehumidify.
