OK…so, bathroom renovation project on main floor. Project was 98% complete. Husband was replacing faceplates on bathub without turning water off at main. He takes off the knob that controls the water, and it honest to goodness looked exactly like an open fire hydrant. I estimate that we were losing at least 30 gallons of water per minute (probably more). Anyway, when all was said and done, our lower level ceiling was SOAKED (soggy), and there was water on the floor that had seeped through to the garage. So far, the ceiling does not appear to be saggy or falling, just very moist.

We disconnected power to the affected lower level rooms, but the question is, do we need to tear out the ceiling and walls to repair this or should we just be able to repaint when it is all dry? I realize that mold is a particular concern, so is there a way we can prevent mold without tearing the whole thing out?