small leak leading to about a gallon of total water dripped inside basement wall --- mold concern?

[Anonymous]

I discovered a leak in a pipe that extends outwards to our garden hose. I immediately shut off the valve controlling the water flow, which stopped the leak.

I estimate that about a gallon of water was leaked inside of the wall. I do not have easy access to the interior space, but there is a wall panel that I have opened to allow the air to circulate in and out of the affected space.

My question: given the limited amount of water that was leaked, is the risk of mold quite low? If there is some risk, is DIY approach I can use to resolve the problem?

[Anonymous]

When you say "inside the wall" what is the wall made of?

For most leaks of that size, drying it out with a fan and dehumidifier should take care of it.

[Anonymous]

I would try a box fan in the opening.

Basements are tricky because moisture tends to flow from warm to cool and in basements all of the drive is from inside to outside, but usually there's no way for moisture to get through the wall so it's just trapped.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When you say "inside the wall" what is the wall made of?

For most leaks of that size, drying it out with a fan and dehumidifier should take care of it.

The affected space falls between an interior bathroom wall and and outer brick wall.

I'm not entirely sure what the bathroom wall is made of.

To remove the moisture, I now have a fan blowing air through the 12 by 12 inch opening which leads into the interior space between the inner and outer walls.