Help! My son used the tub as a swimming pool!

[manchestermafia]

I don't know what got into my 11 year old son, but he was splashing up a storm last night. I heard water dripping in the kitchen (right below the bathtub). Well, we now have water stains on the kitchen ceiling. I'm afraid of getting mold and what might be behind the shower wall. What do I do?

[koofie]

Honestly, I would cut out the ceiling around the water spots and check out the damage. Depending on what you find you might want to call in someone to help or just let it air out and replace the ceiling you cut out.

[ChristyMarie]

Eh, just a one time leak? I wouldn't worry. I'd put a fan upstairs and down for about 3 days. As long as you get it dry right away it should be fine. Once dry, Kilz the stain and repaint.

Sounds like he had fun.

[Ellien C]

I'm with CM. If it's just a 1-time leak - have the 11 year old repaint it. Good experience and it will remind him not to do that again.

[MeepyCat]

I wouldn't panic on this one, but before I repainted, etc., I would check out the caulking around the tub for leaks. As the kids get older and into long showers, this problem will recur if the tiling isn't watertight.

[koofie]

My girls did this once and the water dripped from around the toilet. Luckily, it went all the way to the basement, and since we have not finished it there was enough air circulation to dry it out well. If it has never happened before you may just need to look beyond the tub.

If your ceiling feels at all squishy or it moves when you press on it, I'd replace it. Otherwise I'd repaint.

GL!