Floods, leaky pipes, and other similar events can cause water to build up inside the walls. If left unchecked, this fluid buildup can damage the structural integrity of the building and cause the growth of mold and harmful fungi. Fortunately, there are various ways to dry the walls and solve this problem.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Troubleshooting
Step 1. Locate and repair pipe leaks in the area near the wall
If there is damage to the water pipe, faucet, or other similar equipment, fix the problem first before you dry. Minor pipe damage can be overcome by patching it using epoxy putty. If the damage is severe and any of the water equipment is damaged, you may have to disassemble it and replace it with a new one.
- For safety's sake, it's a good idea to hire a plumber to fix any leaks in the walls.
- If you live in a housing complex, this water pipe damage can come from neighbors.
Step 2. Drain the liquid that has accumulated on the walls
Depending on the severity of the water damage, there may be water buildup inside the walls. Check the condition by making a hole in the wall with a drill 5 cm above the ground, and wait for any water to come out of it. If so, make a few small holes along the wall to let the water out.
- Always make holes as high as 5 cm from the floor and leave a distance between holes of 40 to 60 cm.
- Before making the hole, look for the posts (reinforcements) in the wall. For best results, drill holes in the area between the posts.
Step 3. Dismantle areas of the wall that are already in severe condition to prevent future problems from occurring
You may need to remove and replace some parts of the wall if there is severe water damage. If not done, mold or harmful fungi can grow in the area, and in certain cases can endanger the integrity and stability of the entire wall. Contact an experienced handyman if you encounter:
- Black spots or scratches on gypsum walls (drywall).
- Curved spots on wooden wall.
- There are cracks, scuffs, or discoloration of the wood or plasterboard walls.
- Rust or bent spots on metal posts on walls.
- Exfoliated, warped, or liquid-dissolved spots on brick or stone walls.
Part 2 of 3: Choosing a Drying Method
Step 1. Dry the small wet spots with a fan
If the wet wall only occurs in a small area, you can dry it with a fan that moves in all directions. The way to do this is to place 1 or more fans in front of a wet area and turn it on at its highest speed. This will clean the damp air and actively dry the wet area.
Set the fan to move if you want to dry multiple areas of the wall with just one fan
Step 2. Use a dehumidifier to treat large patches
Buy a powerful dehumidifier that can process a minimum of 28,000 ml of water in a day. According to the instructions given on the product packaging, hang this device in a room with a wet wall. Make sure all the doors and windows of the room are closed before you turn on the dehumidifier.
- You can get a dehumidifier with a strong power at a price of around Rp. 3 million for a unit that has a capacity of 50 pints. The pint is the amount of moisture this device can remove.
- You can buy this tool at home supply stores and electronics stores.
Step 3. Absorb moisture in an enclosed area using a desiccant
If you want to dry a small, enclosed area (such as a closet), you may not be able to use the normal drying method. Instead, you can place a desiccant (a material that absorbs moisture) near the wall to suck in moisture. Desicants that can usually be purchased at a hardware or grocery store include:
- Dehumidifier desiccant from chemicals
- Sand for cat pee
- Calcium chloride pellet
Step 4. Hire professional services to fix severe water damage
If you can't dry the walls yourself, look for a professional online or in a local newspaper who specializes in dampening walls or repairing water damage to buildings. Usually, you have to spend between Rp. 50 thousand and Rp. 100 thousand per 10 cm2 to clean walls that are damaged by moisture.
Do not use services that require prepayment, especially those who live outside the city as they may simply be fraudulent or ask for unreasonable payments
Part 3 of 3: Speeding Up the Drying Process
Step 1. Turn on the air conditioner to reduce humidity
If the wet walls are caused by humidity, you can turn on the central air conditioner at home. Warm air will trap more moisture than cold air, so you can cool the room to reduce humidity significantly. This will make it easier for you to dry the walls.
If you don't have a central air conditioning system, buy an air conditioner that is only used for one room
Step 2. Increase air circulation by opening the house
In order to switch from old air and humidity to fresh, dry ones, open all windows and doors that are near the wet-damaged area. With this action, air circulation around the wet wall will increase so that it can speed up drying.
- If using a dehumidifier, do not open doors and windows.
- For best results, do this during the day when the sun is shining brightly.
- This method may not work if you live in a very humid area.
Step 3. Remove all wall coverings to increase wall ventilation
Wallpaper, wallpaper, and other wall coverings prevent air from touching the walls, thereby slowing drying. In addition, damp wall coverings can lead to the appearance of harmful molds and fungi that make them unsafe.
In addition to wall coverings, also remove other objects that are attached to the walls, such as posters and hanging shelves
Step 4. Open the cabinet (small cupboard) attached to the wall to help speed up drying
If a damp wall is a place to install cabinets or other similar furniture, open the door and remove the drawer. In addition to helping the cabinet dry faster, this action also speeds up the overall drying process because air circulation in the area will increase.
