A sensible order after a leak

Hour one
Stop the source if possible. Shut off supply, notify engineering and place the room out of order.
Same day
Remove standing water, lift wet items and document the damage with photos.
Day two
Dry the room with airflow and appropriate equipment; check walls, carpet and ceilings.
Day three or later
Confirm dryness with moisture readings, not only by feel.
After drying
Address any remaining smell in carpet, drapery or wall surfaces.
Before returning to inventory
Smell the room in a closed, warm condition and record the result.

Where the smell points

  • IfStrongest at the wall behind the bedThenCheck for a leak in the wall cavity or from the room next door.
  • IfStrongest at the windowThenLook at the seal, the sill and the curtain wall.
  • IfStrongest near the fan coil or PTACThenCheck the drain pan, condensate line and filter.
  • IfStrongest in the bathroomThenCheck the tub surround, supply lines and flooring edges.
  • IfStrongest in the corridor outsideThenLook for leaks in shared walls or ceiling tiles.

In a hotel, a small leak can affect more than one room. Water in a wall travels up and down, and a ceiling tile in the corridor may be the first visible clue. Housekeeping and engineering should share notes so a musty smell reported in two rooms is treated as one event, not two. Keep a record of the dates, the readings and what was done, so decisions about the rooms and any insurance questions rest on facts.

Once the area is dry and any damaged material has been repaired or replaced, a remaining musty smell is usually in porous items such as carpet, pad, drapery or mattress covers. The soft goods decision tool can help decide what to clean and what to replace. Check with your insurer and ownership on what repairs and documentation are required.

Common questions

How can staff tell the room is dry?

Moisture readings compared with a dry reference in the same material are more reliable than touch.

Can a room be sold if the smell is faint?

That is a management decision. Many properties wait until the smell is gone on a warm closed-room check.

General information for Downtown Denver, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.