Mold growth in your home could be a sign that you have a water leak. Before you can get rid of the mold, you’ll have to get rid of the leak. Call Hank & Sons Plumbing for expert water leak repairs in Pomona.
Mold is a type of fungus that grows in the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae, which form visible colonies. It reproduces by releasing microscopic spores into the air. These spores can remain afloat in the wind for months until they alight on a surface. All they need is a little moisture to get started.
Mold spores can enter your home through open doors and windows, HVAC systems, and on our clothes, shoes, and pets. The spores can grow on many different interior surfaces, including wood, tile, and drywall. A hidden water leak provides the perfect source of moisture to spur their growth.
Once it gets going, mold growth can be difficult to stop. This can lead to a variety of structural and health issues, such as:
Mold typically appears as black, green, or gray stains on surfaces, creating unsightly spots and reducing property value.
Mold growth can create health risks for infants, young children, seniors, and those with respiratory ailments. Mold exposure can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues, such as sneezing, coughing, asthma flare-ups, and even chronic sinus infections. In severe cases, it can cause respiratory complications, especially in those with compromised immune systems.
Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause walls, floorboards, and ceilings to warp, crack, or deteriorate as mold compromises the integrity of these materials.
Mold releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that produce a distinct, musty smell. This odor can be hard to eliminate and may spread throughout a building.
Mold can spread into heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, where it can circulate spores throughout the building, exacerbating both structural damage and health risks.
When water from a leaking pipe or joint seeps into walls, ceilings, or flooring, it raises the moisture level in those materials, creating the ideal environment for mold spores to settle and grow. If the water source isn’t addressed quickly, moisture lingers, providing mold with the dampness it needs to thrive. Under these favorable conditions, mold can expand and spread throughout your entire home.
The sure way to prevent mold growth and damage is to remove the source of moisture. In addition to mold growth, other signs that you may have a hidden water leak include higher than average water bills, water stains on walls and ceilings, the sounds of dripping or running water within walls, and puddles of water on the floor. If you’ve been noticing any of these red flags, call Hank & Sons Plumbing without delay.
Hank & Sons Plumbing has been providing water leak repairs in Pomona, CA, since 1999. We’re available 24/7 to tackle whatever plumbing emergency you may experience. Water leak detection and repairs are a specialty! Call us at 909-524-2906 to schedule a visit from one of our Pomona plumbing contractors.