mold-growthMold and mildew not only create unsightly stains on your favorite bathroom tile, but reduce the quality of the air you breathe and can even contribute to the development of allergies and chronic illness.

Both arise when uncontrolled dampness and condensation exist in your home. For this reason, one of the most effective methods for preventing mold development is to take care of the plumbing issues that are causing excessive wetness in your space.

Types of Moisture

Plumbing moisture, the source we at Meticulous Plumbing see most often, is not the only form of damp that can cause mold growth in your home. Moisture of this kind leaks from water or waste pipes and can be found around the bases of appliances, walls, or even ceilings.

However, your home may also suffer from rising damp, which originates in your basement or ground floor and results from a faulty or missing proof course, which would normally keep this moisture secured below.

Penetrating dampness, commonly found on external walls or ceilings, appears as a result of a defect in your home’s exterior, like missing roof tiles, which allows moisture to make its way into the interior of your space.

Finally, condensation occurs naturally when water vapor becomes trapped and makes contact with a colder surface, such as a wall or a window. This occurs frequently during the cold months, and in areas with little circulation. This type of dampness often causes black mold.

How to Prevent Mold Growth Due to Plumbing Issues

Plumbing problems that cause mold growth include leaks and condensating pipes. The following tips can help you identify where these issues are letting excess moisture in, and how to target/treat them.

Locate leaks: The simplest fix for excess moisture is to find the location of leaks in your pipes and contact our Meticulous Plumbing experts to come and repair them. Pooled water under sinks or in your basement, or the sound of dripping, can indicate a hidden leak. If you notice any of these signs, call a plumber you trust to investigate further.

Stop condensation:  The most effective way to prevent condensation on cold surfaces is to make sure the moisture never reaches them at all. Wrap your pipes in plastic foam and use foam blankets to wrap your well pressure tanks. Avoid using fiberglass pipe wrap, as this is not waterproof and will absorb moisture.

If you are facing moisture issues in your home, or are already developing mold problems, contact our team at Meticulous Plumbing. Our goal is to help keep your space mold-and-mildew-free.

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