[ken33xx]

I had a renter call me this morning. Last night he tried to hook up a new refrigerator to the ice maker value.

Unfortunately, the renter broke the value and water leaked behind the wall for some 12 hours. Not a major leak by any means but the floor behind the wall was damp. The leak was repaired this afternoon.

However, because there had been a leak the plumber told me a mold remediation vendor should come out and dry the area.

I’m wondering if mold remediation is really necessary.

 

[snic]

A single small leak that lasted 12 hours and was then stopped? How fast does the plumber think mold grows?

All you need to do is get a fan or a blower and dry out the area thoroughly. Leave it on until it's all dry to the touch, and then another few hours (or a day or two). I'd be surprised if, after all that, there were anything still wet where you can't access it.

 

[huesmann]

Mold can grow fast, if the conditions for it to grow—moisture and warmth—are present for several days.

 

[Old Thomas]

I would put a dehumidifier and fan near it. If you are in a cold climate it should dry this time of year. If you are in a hot steamy climate I would be more concerned.

 

[Calson]

The remediation guy cannot do anything more than you can do yourself. Moisture and mold is a problem when there is a water leak over a long period of time, as in months.

If you are paranoid then cut a 1x1 foot hole in the wall and check the interior yourself and then cover it with a piece of sheet metal. It will be behind the fridge and out of sight. But I would forget about it.

 

[SeniorSitizen]

If you find the area to still be wet you may as well saturate that area with bleach or your favorite mold killer then put the heat to it with air circulation until dry.