[Sparklebadwater]

Don't know anything about plumbing so want to get some impartial fair estimates on what I should expect to pay. Bath valve leaking, steady thin stream, friend turned off water and I think that stopped the leak, don't hear or see anything leaking now. I think new part at Home Depot is like $20 he said.
So there's some signs of mold, moisture, wet drywall for problem bathroom, and then downstairs bathroom ceiling puffed up and cracked.
Do you have any rough estimates what it may cost to fix and make whole again? My friend can do the plumbing labor free but not sure how much collateral damage- repairs might cost.
Really just need to know if we're talking hundreds or thousands of dollars. Thanks in advance for any help and replies!! Live in dc metro area if that helps.

[joypulv]

(DC is an expensive area.)
Low hundreds to fix, assuming it's a matter of removing parts of drywall, putting up new drywall, taping and compounding, sanding, painting.
You could do the painting yourself, with Kilz, or primer and top coat.
Don't let anyone tell you that you need a special mold company wearing moon suits.
If I were you, I would take a knife and cut out neat squares of damaged drywall (go down the middle of studs, not edges). There may still be a pool of water in the ceiling. And you would be getting the moldy parts out right away.

[hkstroud]

Impossible to estimate without actually seeing the amount of damage. Try posting pictures. Where in DC area?

[Sparklebadwater]

Impossible to estimate without actually seeing the amount of damage. Try posting pictures. Where in DC area?

Downstairs damage is in neighbor's unit so don't have pix at least right now to post. Hers is about basketball size circle water damage on ceiling right above tub, it's puffed up and paint cracked. I just wanted idea so I would know if neighbor's quotes are fair. Thanks!

[Sparklebadwater]

(DC is an expensive area.)
Low hundreds to fix, assuming it's a matter of removing parts of drywall, putting up new drywall, taping and compounding, sanding, painting.
You could do the painting yourself, with Kilz, or primer and top coat.
Don't let anyone tell you that you need a special mold company wearing moon suits.
If I were you, I would take a knife and cut out neat squares of damaged drywall (go down the middle of studs, not edges). There may still be a pool of water in the ceiling. And you would be getting the moldy parts out right away.

Thanks for all your advice. I've been asking my friends and they think we're talking 100's too, so I will sleep better tonight! Is the mold something that will die on its own eventually if I don't use the bath long enough to fully dry out? To treat the mold I heard there is a chemical, so does that mean it can be sprayed in through hole and checked with camera or will they definitely need to tear down tiles to do?

Dc metro, in Arlington va to be more specific... definitely kills the wallet just living here
:(

[joypulv]

All you need is bleach and a spray bottle (or brush or rag for easy to reach areas).
Drying out generally kills mold but it's not easy in bathrooms that are being used, even minimally.
But remove any moldy drywall now. There will be mold on the backside.
Plus, you will get cheaper quotes.
Punch it out with a hammer if you can't cut it neatly.
I removed an entire room of drywall that had been moldy for years and didn't get sick. It's actually rare to encounter toxic mold.

[hkstroud]

How long has it been since the leak occurred? If it was recent, punch a small hole in the ceiling below with a screwdriver to let any water that might be in the ceiling drain and limit damage to ceiling drywall.