Are You Good Friends with Your Plumber?

Many of us think of mold as a product of unwanted water coming into our homes. We all have friends who had a mold problem after a leak in their roof, a major rainstorm, or when a hurricane deposited floodwater in their basements. But did you know that the water we pay to bring into our house, can actually be a source of moisture for mold?

You don’t need a major catastrophe for a mold problem to start. Leaky pipes can be the chief contributing factor to mold growth in homes. Mold needs moisture, nutrients, and time in order to grow. For example, a very small leak in the pipe under a bathroom vanity can create the perfect environment for mold. Here is how it works. A small leak deposits water on the wood inside the vanity. The consistent dripping creates a very moist environment. The damp wood becomes an excellent host because it gives the mold nutrients and a place to spread. If the leak is toward the back of the vanity it will very likely stay undisturbed for a while and that gives mold the third requirement for growth, time.

The pipes in a vanity are relatively easy to inspect. It is a good idea to take a look in vanities, under kitchen sinks, and in other places where you can easily see pipes. The pipes in your walls create a more difficult situation. We cannot easily inspect the pipes in walls so we must look for clues to alert us to possible problems. Do you see bubbling or cracking paint or wallpaper? This is not just a sign that it may be time for a new look in your home, it may be a sign that there is too much moisture in your walls. When leaks create a serious moisture problem in your walls you might even see them warp or bow. These signs do not ensure that you have mold, but they do let you know that you have the right conditions for mold growth.

So what is a homeowner to do?  You certainly can’t stop using water in your home, but you can take a little time to look for problems. If you see drips make sure you fix them yourself or call your friend the plumber.  Drips and leaks caught early oftentimes do not allow mold time to take hold. If you see signs of mold it is a good idea to give us a call. We will be able to identify the conducive conditions that caused the mold growth and, with our patented mold removal technology, eliminate the mold and prevent it from returning.

The word mold is scary, but with Mold Solutions by Cowleys, you will be able to get rid of the mold in your home and prevent it from returning.