Mold Growth in Pipes damp and enclosed spaces, it’s quite common to find it in pipes and drains. The issue of mold growth in Pipes is made worse by the fact that you can’t easily see down these and notice when something’s wrong. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to stop mold from growing and causing damage to your home and health. However, keep in mind that these are mostly preventative measures. If you suddenly notice a moldy smell inside your home — call a professional immediately.
Why Mold Grows in Pipes and Drains
- In order to develop, mold requires moisture. Pipes and drains provide a perfect environment for mold growth, as they are continually moist.
- Drains and pipes also make an excellent hiding spot for mold since this fungus prefers dark and warm conditions.
- Organic material found in drains, such as leftover food, provides mold the nourishment it requires.
- Diminished lung function (with extended mold exposure)
- The environment inside plumbing and drains is ideal for mold development since it remains undisturbed most of the time.
How Do I Know if I Have Mold in Pipes and Drains?
As previously mentioned, it’s almost impossible to spot mold in pipes and drains. So, you’ll have to rely on the effects of mold. More specifically, mold exposure can trigger symptoms similar to allergies, such as sneezing, coughing, and skin rashes. If you experience any of those, you’re most likely dealing with mold. Similarly, a strong rancid odor near a kitchen or bathroom sink is also a telltale sign of mold.
Clean Your Pipes and Drains
First, you should clean your pipes and drains to remove existing mold colonies. The easiest way to do that is to boil water and pour it down the drain. Or just let the boiling water run for a couple of minutes. That way, you clean the drains and pipes at the same time.
Another effective method is to mix baking soda and vinegar. Combine a cup of white vinegar together with a quarter cup of baking soda and pour it down the drain. In about 15 minutes, the mixture will remove most of the mold and leave you with a clean pipe.
However, while relying on home remedies like boiled water or baking soda and vinegar is a good idea, you should avoid using household bleach. That’s because it can release fumes that cause health problems. Bleach can also have an abrasive effect on pipes, damaging them over time.
To Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home
- Keep humidity levels in your home as low as you can—no higher than 50%–all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. You can buy a meter to check your home’s humidity at a home improvement store. Humidity levels change over the course of a day so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day.