The short answer is yes.
Any water leak in your home has the potential to cause an indoor mold problem.
Why?
Because the main requirement for mold to grow is moisture, so even a small amount of moisture can lead to big problems if not addressed and treated.
How does mold growth happen?
The reality is that no indoor space is completely mold-free.
Trace amounts of mold are always present in your home or commercial building, typically in the form of microscopic units called spores. While mold spores are invisible to the naked eye, they can quickly flourish and form colonies under the right conditions.
The primary conditions for mold growth include:
- Moisture or high humidity (60% relative humidity)
- An available food source (any organic matter, including wood and paper products)
- Oxygen (even at low concentrations)
Note: Temperature is generally not a contributing factor, since some molds prefer cooler environments while others will grow better in warmer areas.
Unlike mold spores, mold colonies are visible—which means if you can see a patch of mold, the problem has already escalated. However, simply because you cannot see the mold does not mean you are in the clear. Read our blog about how to identify hidden mold growth.
What to do if you spot a water leak
Because mold grows quickly in wet conditions, fast action is imperative if you find a water leak indoors. Take the following steps to minimize the damage as much as possible.
- Regardless of the size of the leak, you should repair it as soon as you can to help prevent mold growth from water damage.
- If you are unable to fix the leak on your own and need to wait for service, keep the area around the leak as dry as possible until a professional arrives. (If you do not have a fan or a dehumidifier handy, try opening the doors and windows to help with air circulation.)
- Use towels to dry any items around the leak that may have gotten wet, and dispose of any waterlogged materials that are not salvageable.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it is important to dry water-damaged areas within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.
If you suspect mold, call an expert.
Once the water leak has been repaired, be on the lookout for any signs of mold growth, including dark spots or patches, a musty odor, or increased allergy symptoms in people and pets.
If you suspect mold growth may be present, it might be tempting to tackle the issue on your own. However, most over-the-counter mold and mildew removal products (including bleach) are ineffective at treating mold growth and may actually make the problem worse.
Not only that, but the EPA cautions against tackling the job yourself if the affected area is more than 10 square feet.
Contact CT Mold Pros for no-cost estimate.
Worrying about a potential mold problem—and the damage it may cause to your property and your personal health—can be nerve-wracking.
If you recently experienced a water leak in your home or commercial business and want to make sure your family members (or staff and business patrons) are safe, contact CT Mold Pros for a free estimate.
Our highly trained and certified mold remediation specialists have the expertise to handle all of your mold-related needs, from the initial assessment and identification to containment, treatment, and waste disposal.
Call CT Mold Pros today at (203) 920-0265 for your free estimate or fill out this short form with your message to schedule an appointment.
