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December 2, 2020
Mould. A word no homeowner wants to hear. Unfortunately, it is something most have to deal with. Mould will grow in almost any moist area in your home - this means areas near pipes and bathrooms are especially vulnerable. If there are any leaks or condensation, mould can very easily spread. It will not only be unsightly, but it can also cause significant health problems.
Common reactions to mould include nasal stuffiness, sore throats, coughing and eye irritation. These symptoms can be very similar to seasonal allergies. If you have just moved into your home or you find yourself having allergy-like symptoms past allergy season, there may be mould present in your home (or you may be reacting to other home allergens). Also, those suffering from asthma, COPD or other respiratory ailments may be more sensitive to mould. For these reasons it is so important to be aware of the common areas where mould grows and how to prevent it.
Under sink storage, in both the kitchen and bathroom, is vital storage space for many of us - it's where we store our cleaning supplies, lotions, liquids and other containers. It is also an area that we don’t pay a lot of attention to. Leaks can occur from the pipes and go unnoticed. The products that we store under the sink may also leak, and this combination makes a breeding ground for mould. It is important to have proper organization for under your sinks; we like having containers for our products to contain any leaks that could occur. Be careful not to crowd your pipes too much. Leaving room around your pipes will ensure you are able to spot any leaks or moisture easily.
A clogged pipe will not allow water to fully pass through it, and can cause water to leak, sometimes into your walls and floors. This can be hard to detect if the pipe is not exposed or accessible via a panel, but you can keep an eye out for any floors or walls that are warped or discoloured as this is a good indication that there is water damage. Of course, with any water damage, there is a possibility of mould. In these cases, it is best to call in a professional to assess the problem and fix it properly (before it gets out of hand). If you'd like to get ahead of any potential problem or would simply like peace of mind, you can always have a professional assess potential blockages using a camera.
Areas that have a large amount of water flowing are obviously common areas for leaks to occur. The base of the toilet is an area to keep an eye on as water can accumulate here. Not only will this be an area for mould to grow, but can also cause serious damage to your floor. Oftentimes, water at the base of your toilet is caused by an incorrect or loose connection. Having a professional look at the issue is worthwhile to avoid a larger problem down the line.
Showers also commonly leak around the head and nozzle. Shower drips should not be treated as not normal and if this occurs your shower should be looked at by a professional. If your shower is functioning properly, you're not out of the woods with regards to mould. The shower causes moisture, humidity and condensation in your bathroom. This frequent build-up of moisture is a breeding ground for mould. The corners of showers and baths will build-up with mould as well if they are not cleaned frequently.
Although mould is a huge annoyance, it can easily be prevented and if caught early, isn’t too much of a nuisance. But if mould is left alone, it can grow rapidly and can cause larger problems. To help prevent mould growth in high moisture areas and from leaks you can do the following:
