What to Do about Black Mold: Plumber's Tips

Has the musty smell of decay ever hit you when you walked into a bathroom? Chances are that the bathroom had suffered water damage at some point and mold growing behind the walls caused the musty smell. In its natural environment, meaning outside, mold isn’t much of a problem. In nature, mold serves a useful purpose; specifically it breaks down dead leaves and other organic matter. However, in your home, mold can damage your walls and sheet rock and can even be a danger to your health.

Any type of mold in your home is going to be bad for its structural integrity, but only one kind of mold is truly dangerous for your family’s health—black mold. Black mold, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum, is dangerous because it contains mycotoxins. Black mold can cause upper-respiratory problems in otherwise healthy people. All types of mold growing in the home can exacerbate allergies in those people who are susceptible to them already.

Mold can begin growing in your home in any environment that contains excessive moisture. This most frequently occurs when you have a leaking pipe. To prevent mold from growing in your home, it is best to have a plumber look at your pipes if you suspect a leak. Our specialists at Roto-Rooter can track down any leaks in your home in order to prevent mold problems.

Once a pipe has begun to leak, it is essential to stop it as soon as possible to prevent your family from feeling any ill effects on their health from mold. It is good to call licensed professional plumbers in Denver even if you are able to get the leak to stop, so they can inspect the integrity of your plumbing system. One of the quickest ways to stop a very small leak while you wait for a plumber is to wrap duct or electrical tape around the leaky pipe. But that is no permanent fix. If you feel like doing a bit more thorough job, you can use a pipe clamp. You will want to select a clamp that is the correct size for the pipe. Then, clean the pipe and wrap it in a rubber pad. Secure the pipe clamp securely over the rubber and you have a quick fix!