Facts about mold near plumbing that may help you avoid a serious contamination

Mold near plumbing is no joke. Since mold spores can be found anywhere, and since airborne spores are invisible to the naked eye, you may not know you have a problem until well after mold is growing in or near your water works.

Plumb Tech has experienced professionals for mold near plumbing. Each case is different, but here is some general info on what to do if you come across mold near pipes, on water fixtures or elsewhere near your plumbing.

How does mold near plumbing form?

Spores are able to feed and grow in just about any damp location, whether it is a pile of leaves outside or under your kitchen sink. By the time you can see or smell mold, you already have a problem.

Mold grows with these three things:

• A food source
• Moisture
• Ideal growth temperatures

Various species of mold have ideal temperatures and food sources. Some species grow just as quickly in a dead tree as it will grow in a musty cabinet under your sink.

How can I prevent mold near plumbing around my house?

Without a moist place to feed, mold will be much less successful in spreading. In other words, if you eliminate excess moisture inside, mold will stay outside.

Get a dehumidifier
These handy appliances can go a long way in preventing mold, and are affordable to purchase and use on a regular basis.

Open cabinets and windows to ventilate enclosed spaces
More air circulation, especially after a hot shower, will reduce the risk of moisture pooling in your home and giving mold a place to grow.

Spot-check your plumbing
Most plumbing is set into drywall or built under cabinets. The low light and high humidity encourage mold growth, so be sure to use a flashlight and check for:

• Leaky seals
• Cracks (even very small ones) in your plumbing
• Rotting drywall

What do I do if I find mold near plumbing?

Minor mold growths (less than one-eighth of an inch off a surface) can be wiped up with disinfectant wipes or a mild bleach solution, but anything thicker indicates a serious problem. If wood cabinets or drywall are caked in mold, leave them alone and contact a mold remediation expert.

If you discover mold growth in stagnant pipes or all over an open drain, do not attempt to clean it up. Professional mold remediation services will be required to ensure your safety and the proper removal of the contaminated objects.