Is Faulty Plumbing Causing Mold Growth In a Home?
There doesn’t have to be a gushing flood for mold to occur.
Plumbing isn’t a problem until it is. If there is a plumbing problem in a home, the homeowner might have a water problem, and water inevitably leads to mold. Most plumbers have seen more than one seemingly minor plumbing issue result in a big mold situation. So don’t let faulty plumbing lead to mold issues.
Standing water is a mold breeding ground
Homeowners know that standing water is terrible for building materials, but it’s also one of the leading precursors to mold. The longer water stands, the more it soaks into drywall, insulation, and framing; the quicker a homeowner drains standing water and dries out any residual moisture, the less likely they are to end up with long-term issues with mold.
Slow drips lead to moist conditions
There doesn’t have to be a gushing flood for mold to occur. All that mold needs to grow is oxygen, water, and warmth. The kind of slow leaks that develop in cracked pipes, unsealed fittings, and underneath sinks can slowly but surely add moisture to their surroundings. That, in turn, leads to mold.
Humidity creates the perfect conditions for mold
Mold spores thrive in humid environments. Mold most commonly grows inside cabinetry, walls, and crawl spaces or basements. Mold thrives when an area isn’t well-ventilated (which pertains to almost all plumbing). That’s why it’s important to open windows and use the bathroom fan when showering or running hot water.
Several signs are indicative of a plumbing problem that’s causing mold growth, including:
A dank or musty smell in an area that has a lot of plumbing (i.e., bathroom, kitchen, laundry)
Dampness of the cabinetry, walls, or any other area that potentially contacts plumbing components
Staining or discoloration on concrete or wood surfaces
Peeling paint or flooring/molding that pulls away from where it’s attached
Certain plumbing problems are common indicators of mold. For example, polybutylene pipes, installed in thousands of homes in the 1970s and 80s, can undergo a reaction that weakens their structural integrity over time. Pooling water near the toilet’s base and suddenly low water pressure can also indicate a problem.
How to resolve a mold growth problem
First things first: call an experienced plumber. It’s impossible to remedy a mold problem before caring for the root cause. However, a plumber can identify the source of the leak and stop it from releasing more water. Once the leak has been contained, it’s then possible to remediate any existing mold growth by removing any moldy materials (drywall, wood, and flooring) or treating them with a mold inhibitor.
For homeowners worried about mold in their homes, contact a reliable plumber to inspect areas where mold typically grows. They can determine the cause and offer workable solutions to make the home mold-free.
If you need honest and experienced professional plumbing services for residential and afford commercial plumbing needs in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Enterprise give us a call at 702-766-3320.
