Hi everyone! I'm 7 months pregnant and had a bit of a mishap while filling my Berkey water filter — I accidentally left the spout open and ended up with about 2 gallons of water on the floor. The floor is dry now, but there's a wet spot on the ceiling below that's about a foot and a half wide. I got a quote from a restoration company saying it would cost $1,100 to run dehumidifiers and fans for 3 days, but we can't start until Monday since we have a guest arriving tomorrow. I'm wondering if I could just let it dry on its own? I feel really guilty about this, so I'd appreciate any kind advice!
3 Answers
If it's really just 2 gallons of water, it should dry on its own in a few days. I’d suggest using some fans and a dehumidifier downstairs to speed things up. Once it's dry, you can cover the water spot with Kilz and a fresh coat of ceiling paint. Honestly, $1,100 feels way too steep for this kind of small spill, especially if it can dry out without major work.
You definitely don't want to leave it wet for long because mold can become a serious issue. Water damage can really mess things up. It might be worth investing in a couple of industrial dehumidifiers and fans from a rental place. You can run them during the day when your guest is out, and it might be a more affordable option than waiting for the company. Plus, better safe than sorry with mold risks!
Here’s a DIY tip: Get a large access panel, cut the necessary hole around the wet spot, and let it breathe for about a week. It’ll dry out nicely, and once done, you can seal it back up with the panel. Most ceilings are white, so it should blend right in. This way, you’ll also have easy access if you need it in the future.