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ryan_kelly96

What's the probability of a water leak causing subfloor damage?

Ryan Kelly
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago

The Situation: I had a washing machine hose rupture and spill approx 20 gal fresh water across the floor of my loft within a multi-unit building. Water leaked into the garage below, prompting HOA concerns. A remediation crew was called in and has been running dehydrators, though high moisture readings remain in some spots.


There is no visible damage. No warping or cracking of the floor.

The Problem: Determining if the floor needs to be torn up to further remove moisture. Determining if significant damage/mold exists in moist areas of the subfloor.

The Questions:

  • Is it possible through professional experience / data to determine if tearing up the floor is necessary?
  • Does a low-volume, short-term, fresh water spill present a high enough likelihood of mold/damage to warrant intrusive repair?
  • Are there monitoring steps that can be taken to test for mold before tearing up the floor?

I'm getting professional-grade, CYA vagueness on this subject. I'm hoping to find solid, experience-backed advice that says "There is an X% chance of Y happening in this situation."

Any help is beyond appreciated....thank you...

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