water leak cleanup?

Question

we had a drain pipe that was leaking... The top of our ceilng needs to be dried out and possible mold growth is possible. Maintence had drilled a few hold in the ceiling, and one large hold to fix the pipe. I have a fan in the access point...

-----Would it be a good idea to aim a space heater in this area also. I was told that this would make it worse???? ------

The ceiling light is moldy- so im sure the ceiling cant be any better...

Thanks!!!

it is the space in between the 2nd floor and the 1st floor ceiling- with a sheetrock ceiling.. Dehumidfier would work...... Any other sugestions

I can not access the space... only be the small cut out access point and the pin holes they drilled for better circulation

Answer 1

A space heater won't hurt anything just be sure, of course, to do it safely--warmth is what you want not hot. That might shorten the time needed for drying. The amount of humidity in your area will have a bit to do with how you proceed. Washing with bleach and water when it's dry will clean and kill the mold.

Answer 2

Get you cheap assed landlord to replace ALL of the damaged Sheetrock! Once it get that soggy, it will take forever to truly dry out, and even then, the surrounding support structure will also have been subject to soaking. Mold will certainly be a problem down the road a piece. Might as well do it now while you are in 'damage control' phase.

Answer 3

Get a dehumidifier running ASAP. For repair you will need to paint the ceiling with a primer called "KILZ" .This is a stain blocker,sealer and primer.My favorite cleaner is called 'Simple Green'.I use it as a cleaner before I begin painting.It is an all around the house cleaner and has a much easier scent than most household cleaners. Good luck to you.