How to Remodel a Bathroom After Water & Termite Damage

Remodeled bathroom

Prior to remodeling the bathroom after water and termite damage, the entire home must be tented to ensure the termites are destroyed. Termites chew wood, and if there are any left, they will multiply and destroy the new wood. If the water damage was extensive, the flooring and the walls should be replaced, as black mold might form within the walls and between the flooring and the subfloor. Black mold might cause respiratory disorders if it multiples.

Things You'll Need

• Nails
• Screws
• Screwdriver or drill
• Wrenches
• Gloves (optional)
• Sheet rock mud (optional)
• Sheet rock tape (optional)
• Sand paper (optional)

Instructions

1. Turn off the water to the bathroom. The shut-off valve for the toilet is usually located under the tank. The shut-off valve for the sink is usually found under the sink. If there are no shut-off valves, shut the water off from the main valve to the house.

2. Remove the sink, the sink cabinet and the toilet. To remove the sink, disconnect the plumbing under the sink using the wrenches. Remove the pipes (sink drain) from under the sink. To remove the toilet, flush it to empty the tank. Remove the two bolts inside the tank to remove the tank. Remove the bolts from the toilet to the floor. Pry the toilet off the floor (carefully, unless you are replacing the toilet). Remove the wax ring around the toilet drain.

3. Pull the sheet rock or other wall covering off the studs using the claw hammer. If there is mold behind the sheet rock, clean the mold from the studs. Once clean, spray the areas with a light misting of bleach. Allow all areas to dry thoroughly.

4. Hang the new wall covering. If you are using sheet rock tape, mud and sand the cracks and the nail heads. You might have to repeat taping, mudding and sanding if the indentations can still be felt after you sand. Finish off the walls, if needed (i.e., paint or wallpaper).

5. Reinstall the toilet and the sink in the reverse order of removal. Turn on the water and check for leaks.

References

• A Bathroom Guide: Remodeling
• This Old House: Install Toilet