When water damage disasters occur in the Corsicana, TX, area, SERVPRO of Ennis/Red Oak is available 24/7, 365 days a year, to respond with a crew of IICRC-certified technicians who provide water damage restoration and mold remediation services to local residents.
Important Mold Facts from the CDC
The Centers for Disease Control offers the following description of mold and how it grows: “What is mold? Mold is a fungal growth that forms and spreads on various kinds of damp or decaying organic matter. There are many different mold species that come in many different colors. Molds are sometimes referred to as mildew. They are found both indoors and outdoors in all climates, during all seasons of the year. Outdoors, molds survive by using plants and decaying organic matter such as fallen leaves as a source of nutrition. Indoors, molds need moisture and a carbon source from building materials or building contents to grow. Excess moisture is generally the cause of indoor mold growth. Molds reproduce by releasing tiny spores that float through the air until landing in other locations. When they settle on wet or moist surfaces, the spores can form new mold colonies.”
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Causes of Mold Growth in the Bathroom
The bathroom is a prime breeding ground for mold growth since this room is wetter than any other room in the typical house. Running faucets, flushing toilets, and steaming showers and bathtubs send large amounts of moisture onto the floors, walls, and ceilings. The exhaust fan is unable to keep pace with the infusion of water, moisture, and steam. Rugs and mats trap some of this water, which evaporates into the room throughout the day. For many hours a day, the bathroom is shrouded in darkness, and if windows are present in the room, they are seldom opened. Also, wood, natural fibers, and other organic material are found in abundance in the bathroom. Moisture, warmth, darkness, and food make the bathroom a mold paradise.
Mold not only disfigures the beauty of the home, but it also can cause serious structural damage and promote wood rot if undetected or left untreated. Once mold is detected, the homeowner should take action to have the situation inspected by a professional to determine the sources and extent of the problem. The professionals at SERVPRO of Ennis/Red Oak can also offer solutions to the mold problem, no matter how big or small.
Homeowners need to keep a vigilant watch for these six causes of mold growth in the bathroom. By the time mold is visible to the naked eye, the mold has already begun to grow. Upon recognizing the causes of mold growth, the problem can be treated in its earliest stages.
Warning Signs of Mold Growth in the Bathroom
1. Drippy or leaking faucets
A leaky faucet introduces a steady source of moisture into the bathroom. A wet sink, tub floor, or shower stall is a prime location for mold.
2. Clogged drains
A drain clog provides mold with both moisture and food. Hair, grease, soap scum, dirt, and whatever else may be clogging the drain are very nutritious for mold.
3. Wet shower surfaces
Over time, soap scum, grime, and body oils will coat the surfaces of the shower. This organic food source, along with the humidity and heat from the shower, spells trouble. The tile, grout, and glass surfaces invite a mold infestation. If the shower head begins to leak, make repair or replacement a priority.
4. Inferior ventilation
Modern bathrooms have exhaust fans and at least one window. The fan, in tandem with a working window, can remove most of the moisture while allowing fresh air to enter the bathroom. If the fan breaks or the window sticks, take steps to have the problems resolved.
5. Leaks behind the wall
One of the most difficult warning signs to spot is moisture and water hidden behind a wall. A leaky pipe, cracked grout, or excessive tub or shower splash can introduce moisture behind walls and in the ceilings under the bathroom floor. The wall cavities are dark, moist, and lack ventilation, making the location a prime hideout for mold.
6. Water intrusion from loose plumbing connections
Loose plumbing connections at the toilet tank, around the base of the toilet, or at the wax ring can cause issues beyond a mold infestation. Raw sewage seeping out of a pipe and into a home creates a serious situation. Mold stains, musty smells, and the smell of raw sewage are key indicators of a bad plumbing connection.
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If a mold problem is suspected, reach out to the water damage cleanup and restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Ennis/Red Oak. The IICRC-certified mold remediation technicians have the tools, training, skills, and EPA-approved cleaning products to resolve both the water damage and the mold issues.
For more information about Corsicana, TX, water damage restoration services, contact the SERVPRO of Ennis/Red Oak office by phone at (972) 937-1494 or by email at acarey@servpro10932.com.
