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.
Common Types of Mold Indoors
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
Stachybotrys
- 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.
Health Risks of Mold
- Allergies and allergic reactions
- Asthma attacks
- 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.
- 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.
Preventing Mold Growth in Pipes and Drains
Mold will be difficult to remove from your pipes and drains, even with the greatest equipment and a trained mold removal service. The best line of action against mold in these places is prevention.
Here are a few techniques to prevent mold from forming:
Regular cleaning and maintenance
- The most cost-effective and straightforward approach to keep your drain and pipes mold-free is to clean them regularly.
- For copper, iron or steel pipes, simply pour boiling water down the drain. Do not use boiling water to clean PVC or Pex pipes.
- Another alternative to prevent mold growth in your pipes is pouring a mixture of baking soda and vinegar into the drain. This solution should get your pipes clean in about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Do not use bleach to clean your pipes or drains because of its abrasive property.
- Home treatments should be employed at least once a month.
Improve ventilation
- Good airflow reduces the likelihood of mold growth even in hard-to-reach or hidden areas like drains and plumbing.
- Open doors and windows when the weather is favorable. During periods of rain or high humidity, keep them closed and utilize fans.
- Keep the exhaust vent in the bathroom on whenever possible to reduce moisture in the air. You can also leave the doors and windows open.
Utilize a dehumidifier
- Using a dehumidifier is an excellent method of keeping indoor moisture and humidity levels to a minimum.
- The number of dehumidifiers required depends on the size of your home or building. A large space may need several dehumidifiers for maximum moisture removal.
- Dehumidifiers are useful for drying out usually damp areas, such as bathrooms and basements.
Schedule a Mold Removal Appointment in Dothan, Alabama
Looking for immediate mold remediation services in Dothan, Alabama and the surrounding areas?
ServiceMaster by Reed is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (334) 712-1118. Visit us at 2830 Horace Shepard Road, Suite 1, Dothan, AL 36303 or connect with us online to schedule an appointment.
- Certified by the IICRC
- Licensed and fully bonded mold removal specialists
- State-of-the-art equipment and cleaning products
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