Persistent moisture and mold… the two go hand-in-hand. Mold is a very opportunistic organism that will quickly take root wherever the conditions are right. Not surprisingly, the areas around your plumbing fixtures and connections are highly vulnerable.
Here are some steps you can take to help keep your home or business mold-free.
Recognize it’s a marathon not a sprint. As stated above, mold is ever present and ready to grow given the chance. Consequently, there’s no “quick fix” for combatting it. Keeping mold at bay requires a diligent, consistent effort.
Check your plumbing. To begin your war on mold, inspect your plumbing anywhere that it is visible — under sinks, in basements or crawlspaces, etc. Look for leaks, bad seals, and cracks. Then take steps to correct the problems, even if there is currently no sign of mold growth. If there is moisture, there will be mold.
Repeat your inspection regularly. This is key. People often do an inspection, deal with issues, and then assume they are “good to go.” Unfortunately, like all mechanical systems, plumbing ages. Seals that are fine today may be failing tomorrow, or next week, or next month. Spot checking your plumbing at regular intervals will keep you from being caught off guard by a mold infestation.
Use a dehumidifier. While it’s not part of your plumbing, a dehumidifier — whether freestanding or as a component of your air conditioning system — can help keep the areas around your plumbing drier and consequently more mold-free.
Design with mold prevention in mind. For example, if you are renovating a bathroom, using a pedestal sink as opposed to an enclosed cabinet can provide more airflow around the plumbing and prevent problems from developing.
Increase air circulation. The more air that flows into and out of a bathroom, kitchen, or other space where plumbing is present, the faster surfaces dry and the harder it is for mold to settle in. Installing vents and fans is an investment that can pay off later by preventing the need for costly mold remediation.
The area around your plumbing can serve as the beachhead for an organic invasion. Not only can mold grow there, the airborne spores it releases make it easier for mold to move to other areas of your home. Tending to problems quickly and taking other steps to ensure these spaces remain dry and well-ventilated can help keep your home or business mold-free. Don’t take risks with the safety of your home! If you think you may be at risk for mold, get an inspection and remediation today from Certified Mold Inspections.