How to Prevent Mold Growth Inside Drains and Pipes
Mold growth is inevitable indoors, which can be a cause of concern for property owners. Aside from its unpleasant appearance, mold and its spores can pose health risks to your family. The presence of mold in hidden areas, such as plumbing and drains, is an issue that must not be taken lightly. Learn more about mold and how to prevent it from the experts of ServiceMaster by Reed.ย
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mold is a fungus that can be found indoors and outdoors, thriving in damp, humid and warm environments. The most common types of mold found indoors are:
Alternaria commonly thrives on outdoor vegetation, but a study conducted by the National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing found Alternaria in more than 90% of house dust samples.
Alternaria finds its way indoors through windows and doors and grows on damp or moist surfaces.
This mold is an allergen that can trigger asthma attacks.
Aspergillus can grow indoors and outdoors in warm, moist places.
Aspergillus is a health concern for immunocompromised individuals, although its spores are harmless to most people.
Aspergillus causes a respiratory condition called Aspergillosis, which can affect anyone with a weakened immune system, lung diseases or other respiratory illnesses.
Cladosporium is a pathogenic fungus growing on plants outdoors, but it can also grow indoors in areas with high moisture levels.
This mold can grow on surfaces such as carpets, walls or woodwork that have experienced water damage.
Cladosporium can trigger allergies, asthmatic reactions and eye, brain, skin and sinus infections.
Penicillium appears as a fuzzy, greenish-gray spot on fruits and produce. Indoors, it can grow on surfaces like carpets, draperies, rugs and wallpaper.
Penicillium grows in warm, moist conditions and may thrive in areas that have experienced water damage or have moisture issues.
Also known as "black" mold, Stachybotrys can produce mycotoxins that can lead to serious health issues such as breathing difficulties and other respiratory problems.
Stachybotrys is a dangerous mold and must be removed only by a professional mold remediation company.
Minor mold growth in bathrooms, basements and other areas of your home can be removed without damage to the affected surface. However, when the mold problem escalates, this would require professional intervention.
Allergies and allergic reactions
Eye, nose, throat, and skin irritations
Diminished lung function (with extended mold exposure)
Flu-like symptoms like headache, fever, cough and wheezing
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.ย
Drains and pipes also make an excellent hiding spot for mold since this fungus prefers dark and warm conditions.ย
Organic material found in drains, such as leftover food, provides mold the nourishment it requires.
The environment inside plumbing and drains is ideal for mold development since it remains undisturbed most of the time.ย
Don't know what to do next? We do. Contact ServiceMaster by Reed today.
